This Sweet Potato Chili with Ground Beef and Cheddar is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and comforting. The combination of lean ground beef, diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chiles creates a warm and satisfying meal that is ideal for cooler days or whenever you’re craving something filling yet healthy. The shredded cheddar cheese on top adds a creamy richness, while the cilantro garnish gives it a fresh and vibrant finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili is a comforting one-pot meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and nutrition, while the ground beef provides a savory base. With the perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic, this chili offers just the right amount of heat and spice. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this dish is both satisfying and full of layers of flavor. It’s a complete meal that’s packed with protein and veggies, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

Sweet Potato Chili with Ground Beef and Cheddar

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1 pound lean ground beef
5 teaspoons chili powder (divided)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon grated garlic
2 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
4 ounces canned diced green chiles
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cilantro for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with 2 teaspoons of chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the grated garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced sweet potatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, and 3 teaspoons of chili powder. Pour in the water and stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
Serve the chili in bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for garnish, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use lentils or extra beans to make the chili plant-based.
Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or more chili powder for an extra level of heat.
Sweet Potato Substitute: You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, but sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that complements the spices well.
Beans: For added texture and protein, you can add a can of kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, if you like it spicier, add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more intense heat.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. It will give the chili a lighter flavor while still being filling.

3. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chili in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and onions, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if needed. Just peel and dice about 2-3 medium tomatoes, and roast them for a smoky flavor, or use regular diced tomatoes if fire-roasted isn’t available.

5. Can I add cheese to the chili while it’s cooking?

For a creamy, cheesy chili, you can stir in some cheese towards the end of cooking. However, adding cheese at the end as a topping will provide a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

6. How can I make the chili thicker?

If you’d like the chili to be thicker, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes in the pot to create a heartier texture. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the broth.

7. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, frozen sweet potatoes will work, but make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on their size and thickness.

8. How do I store leftover chili?

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

9. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. It can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

10. Can I serve this chili with something on the side?

Yes, serve it with cornbread, a slice of crusty bread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Chili with Ground Beef and Cheddar is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the warmth of spices, the richness of beef, and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes together in one hearty bowl. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the added bonus of cheese and cilantro on top, it’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy—guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!