If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming dish packed with bold flavor and hearty ingredients, this Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili is about to become a new favorite. Tender chunks of beef chuck simmer low and slow with naturally sweet potatoes, smoky spices, and a perfect kick of heat.
This chili is everything you want on a chilly evening: rich, filling, slightly spicy, and layered with deep, comforting flavors. It’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd—just set it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible depth of flavor: Smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne build a bold, well-balanced heat.
- Hands-off cooking: Browning the beef is the only prep—everything else cooks itself.
- Perfectly hearty: Sweet potatoes, beans, and beef make this a complete, filling meal.
- Meal prep–friendly: Freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable: Adjust heat levels, swap veggies, or make it milder for family meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Beef chuck (2 lbs, cubed): Rich, tender cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft after slow cooking.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled & diced): Adds natural sweetness to balance the spice.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Aromatic base for the chili.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds bold flavor depth.
- Black beans (2 cans, drained & rinsed): Boosts heartiness and texture.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 oz can): Adds acidity and a mild kick.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Creates a rich, savory base.
- Chili powder (2 tbsp): Primary seasoning for classic chili flavor.
- Cumin (1 tbsp): Warm, earthy depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 tbsp): Adds a smoky finish.
- Cayenne pepper (1 tsp): For heat—adjust to your liking.
- Salt & black pepper: To taste, enhances all flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For browning the beef.
- Bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and texture.
- Corn (1 cup, frozen or fresh): A touch of sweetness and color.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Bright garnish.
- Sour cream (optional): Creamy cooling topping.
How to Make Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear for 5–7 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
Tip: Browning builds rich flavor—don’t skip this step!
2. Build the Base in the Slow Cooker
Add the browned beef to the slow cooker. Then add onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with their juice).
3. Season Generously
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, extra salt, and pepper over all ingredients.
4. Add the Liquid
Pour in the beef broth and gently stir to combine everything.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 4–5 hours
Cook until the beef is tender and the sweet potatoes are soft.
6. Finish & Serve
Stir well to blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for cool contrast.
Tips for Success
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Like it spicier? Add extra cayenne or fresh jalapeños during cooking.
- Prefer thicker chili? Remove the lid for the last 20 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Make ahead: This chili tastes even richer the next day.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Skillet for browning beef
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Recipe Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Chili: Swap beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or chicken thighs.
- Vegetarian Chili: Use vegetable broth, skip the beef, and add extra beans or mushrooms.
- Extra Smoky Version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or liquid smoke.
- Bean-Free Chili: Skip the beans and add more sweet potatoes or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread.
- Garnish with cheese, avocado slices, or lime wedges.
- Enjoy over rice or quinoa for a heartier bowl.
- Add tortilla chips for crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes—stew meat or brisket cubes also work well.
Can I cook this chili on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Simmer for 1.5–2 hours on low, stirring occasionally.
Does this freeze well?
Very! Store cooled chili in freezer containers for up to 3 months.
Can I reduce the spice level?
Yes—cut the cayenne in half or use mild diced tomatoes.
How do I thicken the chili?
Mash some sweet potatoes after cooking or simmer uncovered.
Can I make this gluten-free?
It already is—just double-check spice blends for additives.
Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A hearty and flavorful chili made with tender beef, sweet potatoes, and a kick of spice, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cans Black beans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed
- 1 can Diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 ounces)
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup Corn (frozen or fresh)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Brown the beef for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and additional salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors are well blended.
- Stir the chili well, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. This chili freezes beautifully for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Chili brings together everything you love about comfort food—tender beef, warm spices, hearty beans, and sweet pops of flavor from the potatoes and corn. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or settling into a cozy night at home, this chili delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Give it a try, customize it to your taste, and enjoy every comforting bite!