Spiced Harlingen Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty vegetarian chili combining sweet potatoes and black beans with warm spices, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Harlingen Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Spiced Harlingen Sweet Potato and 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 Spiced Harlingen Sweet Potato and 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 Spiced Harlingen Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Harlingen Sweet Potato and 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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