Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients, you’ve just found it in this Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili. This dish combines the earthiness of lentils with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, all simmered slowly with bold spices and veggies. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up with on a chilly day, offering a satisfying texture and vibrant color that will brighten up any dinner table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and meal prep alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, bringing texture, depth, and warmth—whether it’s the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes or the hearty bite of lentils.

• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor when sautéed or cooked down.
• Garlic cloves: Infuses the chili with aromatic depth that enhances all the spices.
• Sweet potatoes: Bring natural sweetness and softness, balancing the chili’s spice perfectly.
• Diced tomatoes (canned): Provide acidity and a rich, saucy base for the chili.
• Red kidney beans: Add a creamy texture and additional protein to the dish.
• Frozen corn: Offers pops of sweetness and a fun, chewy contrast.
• Vegetable broth: The broth ties everything together with savory depth and moisture.
• Dried green lentils: The heart of the chili, they absorb spices and broth, making the dish satisfying and filling.
• Chili powder: The star spice that gives the chili its bold kick and warmth.
• Cumin: Adds a smoky earthiness that complements the chili powder beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors just right.
• Diced avocado (optional): Creates a creamy, fresh garnish that contrasts the hearty chili.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional): Adds a bright, herbal finish for garnish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the yellow onion and sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic cloves. It’s important to keep the pieces evenly sized so they cook uniformly in the slow cooker, ensuring a perfect bite every time.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place all the ingredients—the onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, frozen corn, vegetable broth, green lentils, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper—directly into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir so everything is well mixed. This step sets the stage for all those flavors to meld beautifully over time.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 4 and a half hours. This slow process lets the lentils soften, the sweet potatoes become tender, and the spices penetrate every bite, creating an incredible depth of flavor.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Once cooking is complete, give your chili a taste test. This is your moment to adjust the seasoning, adding extra salt, pepper, or more chili powder one teaspoon at a time if you want a little extra heat or spice complexity. The slow cooker lentil sweet potato chili should feel balanced, rich, and just a little spicy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

Garnishes

Finish this chili with a sprinkle of diced avocado for creaminess and a few fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for an herbal burst. These garnishes add color, texture, and a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty chili.

Side Dishes

This chili is wonderful on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, cornbread, or even fluffy rice. These sides soak up all the delicious juices and add a complementary texture to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve your Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili in a hollowed-out baked sweet potato for a fun twist? Or spoon it over baked tortilla chips for an irresistible chili nacho platter. Both options make for exciting, crowd-pleasing presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve that fresh flavor and warmth, making it easy to reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Make sure to cool the chili completely before freezing to maintain its texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the chili seems thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this chili?

Absolutely! While green lentils are used here for their texture and ability to hold shape, brown or even red lentils can work. Just keep in mind that red lentils tend to cook faster and can become mushy, altering the texture slightly.

Is this chili vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. All the ingredients are plant-based, and lentils along with vegetables make it a nutritious and allergen-friendly choice.

Can I add meat or other proteins to this chili?

If you want to add some meat, cooked ground turkey or beef can be added. Just brown the meat separately first to keep the cooking times consistent. Otherwise, the lentils and beans provide plenty of protein.

How spicy is the Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili?

The chili has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chili powder. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder gradually or including a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it hotter.

Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot?

Definitely! Use the Instant Pot method by reducing the broth slightly and pressure cooking for about 10 minutes, with a natural release after. It delivers the same wonderful flavors but in less time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili that’s been bubbling away all day, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas. It’s nutritious, colorful, and full of flavor that makes you want to dive right in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for easy weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to fall in love with this vibrant, soul-warming chili!

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