Johnson's Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, plant-powered chili featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and warm spices, simmered to deep flavor. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 60 minutes pairs Olive oil, medium, diced Onion, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups diced sweet potato (1/2 inch), 2 cans (15 oz each) drained black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for 35-40 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Johnson's Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Johnson's Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Johnson's Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Johnson's Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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