If you are looking for a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with flavor and warms you from the inside out, this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the subtle sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the savory richness of Italian sausage and a perfect blend of spices, creating a chili that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is both satisfying and simple, proving that comfort food can be wholesome and exciting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe plays a crucial role, making the dish wonderfully balanced in flavor, texture, and color. The combination is straightforward but packs a punch, showcasing how quality, simple components can come together to create something truly special.
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage: Adds savory richness and a juicy texture to the chili.
- 1 yellow onion (diced): Brings natural sweetness and depth when cooked down with the sausage.
- 2-3 cups sweet potatoes (diced into 1” cubes): The star ingredient offering a lovely sweetness and hearty bite.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, silky base that ties the chili together.
- 29 ounces (2 cans) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and a bright, fresh taste to the soup.
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle umami kick that enriches the chili.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Delivers just the right amount of warmth and a classic chili flavor.
- ½ Tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers aromatic earthiness that melds well with the other spices.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a slightly herbal, woodsy note that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy undertone to the mix.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse a gentle, aromatic complexity while the chili simmers.
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish): For a fresh, colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onion
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the mild Italian sausage and diced yellow onion together. Cook until the sausage is browned with no pink remaining and the onion is tender and translucent. This combination forms the flavorful foundation of your chili, with the sausage fat helping to soften the onions and infuse the pot with savory goodness.
Step 2: Add and Soften Sweet Potatoes
Once your sausage and onions have developed that perfect color and aroma, stir in the diced sweet potatoes. Cook everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are just about fork-tender. This step ensures the potatoes begin their journey to softness without turning to mush later on.
Step 3: Stir in Liquids and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring those chili flavors alive by pouring in the chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Add in chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. The mix of spices and sweet elements meld with the sausage and sweet potatoes, creating a complex flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. This slow simmering allows all the flavors to marry beautifully and the chili to thicken slightly, giving you that perfect comforting consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When the chili is done, remove from heat and discard the bay leaves. If you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Your Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes not only enhance the appearance but also add a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili. Try topping your bowl with chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or even some sliced avocado to elevate the flavors and textures.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Crusty bread or warm cornbread are classic choices that help scoop up every last bite. For a lighter side, a simple green salad or coleslaw adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the chili.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Sweet Potato Chili Recipe in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or large bell peppers for a festive touch at gatherings. You can also turn it into a chili bar, offering toppings like tortilla chips, jalapeños, diced red onions, and lime wedges for guests to customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container once it has completely cooled to preserve freshness and flavor. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chili gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or extra beans for added protein. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
How spicy is the Sweet Potato Chili Recipe?
This chili has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and black pepper, making it accessible for most palates. To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the sweet potatoes about halfway through cooking to avoid them turning mushy.
What types of sweet potatoes work best?
Firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best as they hold their shape during cooking and have the signature sweetness that complements the chili’s spices.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe freezes very well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and defrost it in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience a chili that’s both comforting and bursting with layers of flavor, this Sweet Potato Chili Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests, proving that sweet potatoes and sausage create magic in a bowl. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite chili to cherish all year round.
Print
Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty and comforting dish featuring mild Italian sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and a rich blend of spices simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it balances sweetness and spice to create a flavorful chili that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2–3 cups sweet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 29 ounces (2 cans) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the mild Italian sausage and diced onion together. Stir occasionally until the sausage is browned with no pink remaining and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are almost fork tender but still hold their shape.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Chili: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fully fork tender and the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Adjust chili powder and brown sugar to taste for more or less spice and sweetness.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for more variety.
- This chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
