Chili Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Chili Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Laura in the Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 38 min | Total: 2 hrs 28 min

Cost: $9.53 total, $2.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 can Black Beans (15‑oz can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14.5‑oz can, undrained)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color, diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (from a small 6‑oz can)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin (toasted in oil)
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (light brown sugar)
  • 1/2 cup Water (can substitute vegetable broth)
  • 4 medium Sweet Potatoes (about 8 oz each, scrubbed, skin left on)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 large Avocado (diced)
  • 1 small Tomato (diced for salsa)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced, both white and green parts)
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed from 1 lime)
  • to taste Salt (kosher or sea salt)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and roast sweet potatoes

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scrub the sweet potatoes, place them on a baking sheet, and roast for about 60 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Prep vegetables for the chili

    Dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set aside.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Sauté aromatics

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add tomato paste and brown sugar

    Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Bloom the spices

    Add 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tbsp chili powder. Stir for another minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Combine beans, tomatoes, and liquid

    Add the drained black beans, the can of fire‑roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), and 1/2 cup water (or vegetable broth). Stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Simmer the chili

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT30M

  8. Season the chili

    Taste the chili and add salt as needed. Adjust chili powder if you prefer more heat.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Prepare avocado salsa

    Dice the avocado, tomato, chop cilantro, slice green onions, and place everything in a mixing bowl. Add lime juice, a pinch of salt, and gently toss to combine.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Assemble the stuffed potatoes

    Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven. Let cool for 2 minutes, then slice each lengthwise open. Lightly sprinkle the interior with salt, spoon a generous mound of chili beans into each half, and top with a spoonful of avocado salsa.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Serve

    Plate the stuffed sweet potatoes, garnish with extra cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
9 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free (if cheese/sour cream omitted)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Chili Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Recipe by Laura in the Kitchen

A hearty vegetarian meal featuring roasted sweet potatoes filled with a flavorful black‑bean chili and topped with a fresh avocado salsa. Simple pantry staples combine with fresh produce for a comforting, balanced dish.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
1h 43m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 23m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.53
Total cost
$2.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sautéing the aromatics until translucent without browning
  • Simmering the chili beans for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor
  • Roasting sweet potatoes until fully tender
  • Preparing the avocado salsa just before assembly to keep avocado fresh

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheet.
  • Beware of steam when lifting the pot lid during simmering.
  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingers curled while dicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes in American comfort food cuisine?

A

Stuffed sweet potatoes have become a staple of American comfort food, blending the wholesome sweetness of the tuber with hearty fillings like chili. The vegetarian version reflects a growing trend toward plant‑based meals while still delivering the familiar, satisfying flavors of classic chili.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili‑filled sweet potatoes in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, cooks often add corn, black‑eyed peas, or chipotle for a smoky kick. In the Pacific Northwest, smoked salmon or dill may be used. The basic concept stays the same—sweet potato as a vessel for a flavorful, protein‑rich filling.

cultural
Q

How is Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes traditionally served in American households?

A

They are typically served as a main‑course dinner, often accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Some families top them with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added richness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes associated with in American culture?

A

Because they are hearty yet easy to prepare, they appear at family gatherings, pot‑luck dinners, and casual weekend meals. They’re also popular for vegetarian Thanksgiving or holiday menus as a colorful alternative to traditional casseroles.

cultural
Q

How does Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes fit into the broader American vegetarian cuisine tradition?

A

The dish showcases how classic American comfort foods—like chili—can be adapted to vegetarian diets using beans and vegetables. It reflects the American emphasis on convenience, flavor, and seasonal produce such as sweet potatoes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include black beans, fire‑roasted tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and sweet potatoes. Substitutes can be kidney or pinto beans, regular diced tomatoes with smoked paprika, and any firm potato variety if sweet potatoes are unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?

A

They pair nicely with a crisp mixed green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a side of cornbread. A light vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw also complements the sweet‑spicy flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What makes Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The combination of naturally sweet, creamy potato flesh with a spicy, smoky bean chili and fresh avocado salsa creates a balance of sweet, heat, and cool textures that is both comforting and vibrant—something not often found in traditional American mains.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic (it becomes bitter), under‑roasting the sweet potatoes (they stay hard), and letting the avocado salsa sit too long, which causes browning. Also, avoid adding too much liquid to the chili, which can make it soupy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Chili Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are done cooking?

A

The sweet potatoes are done when a fork slides in with little resistance. The chili should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and taste fully seasoned. The avocado salsa should be bright green and slightly chunky.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen, hosted by Laura Vitale, specializes in approachable home‑cooked Italian‑inspired and American comfort dishes, focusing on step‑by‑step tutorials that use everyday ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen's approach to vegetarian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Laura in the Kitchen emphasizes simple, family‑friendly recipes that often adapt classic meat‑based dishes into vegetarian versions without sacrificing flavor, using clear visual cues and personal anecdotes that make the process feel informal yet reliable.

channel

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