Spicy Tortoise-Inspired Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

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

A hearty, smoky chili combining sweet potatoes and black beans with a touch of chipotle for warming spice. This mexican-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra virgin 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: 35 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, and 1 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth and season with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with 4 lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tortoise-Inspired Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Spicy Tortoise-Inspired Black Bean and Sweet Potato 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tortoise-Inspired Black Bean and Sweet Potato 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 Spicy Tortoise-Inspired Black Bean and Sweet Potato 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 Spicy Tortoise-Inspired Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili vegan?

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

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