Savory Baked Sweet Potato Chili

Featured in: Supper Club Comforts

This dish features tender baked sweet potatoes filled with a richly spiced bean chili blend. The chili combines sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers with smoky paprika, cumin, and chili powder, simmered with black and kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Once baked, the sweet potatoes are split and generously filled with the savory chili, topped optionally with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or sliced green onions. This comforting, wholesome meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:04:00 GMT
Savory Baked Sweet Potato Chili Boats overflowing with rich chili and cheese, perfect for dinner. Save to Pinterest
Savory Baked Sweet Potato Chili Boats overflowing with rich chili and cheese, perfect for dinner. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Hearty sweet potatoes are baked until tender, then filled with a robust, bean-packed chili for a flavorful, wholesome weeknight meal that requires minimal hands-on prep.

This recipe has become a family favorite because it fills everyone up and tastes like comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

  • Savory Baked Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes scrubbed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Chili Filling: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small yellow onion finely diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans drained and rinsed, 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans drained and rinsed, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable broth, salt and black pepper to taste
  • Toppings (optional): ¼ cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese, ¼ cup sour cream or plant-based alternative, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 1 avocado diced, sliced green onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40–50 minutes or until very tender.
Cook Aromatics:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
Add Vegetables:
Stir in garlic and bell pepper; cook another 3 minutes.
Season:
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and cayenne; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Beans and Simmer:
Add beans, diced tomatoes with juices and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare Potatoes:
Once sweet potatoes are cooked, let cool slightly. Slice open lengthwise and gently fluff flesh with a fork.
Assemble:
Spoon the chili filling generously into each sweet potato. Top with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado or green onions as desired.
Serve:
Serve hot with extra toppings on the side.
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This dish brings the family together especially on busy nights when we all want something hearty and delicious.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, large skillet, knife and cutting board, spoon

Allergen Information

Contains dairy if using cheese or sour cream substitute with vegan options if needed. Dish is naturally gluten-free always check labels on canned goods and toppings for possible cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 72 g Protein 13 g per serving

Get a glimpse of the colorful, savory Sweet Potato Chili Boats, ready to be topped with fresh cilantro. Save to Pinterest
Get a glimpse of the colorful, savory Sweet Potato Chili Boats, ready to be topped with fresh cilantro. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy this wholesome meal that combines comfort and nutrition in one dish.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I bake the sweet potatoes properly?

Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork, rub with olive oil and salt, then bake at 400°F for 40-50 minutes until tender.

Can I substitute the beans in the filling?

Yes, beans can be swapped with ground meat or plant-based crumble to suit dietary preferences.

What spices enhance the chili filling?

Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper add depth and warmth.

Are there any topping suggestions?

Options include shredded cheddar or vegan cheese, sour cream or its alternative, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced green onions.

How can I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.

Savory Baked Sweet Potato Chili

Tender baked sweet potatoes stuffed with a vibrant bean chili and flavorful spices.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
60 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Supper Club Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

Sweet Potatoes

01 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Chili Filling

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
08 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
09 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
10 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
11 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
12 ½ cup vegetable broth
13 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings (optional)

01 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese alternative
02 ¼ cup sour cream or plant-based alternative
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
04 1 avocado, diced
05 Sliced green onions

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork; rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place on prepared tray and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until very tender.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Cook Vegetables: Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to skillet; cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 04

Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper; cook while stirring for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.

Step 05

Simmer Chili Filling: Add drained black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 06

Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Filling: Once sweet potatoes are tender, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Slice each lengthwise and gently fluff flesh with a fork.

Step 07

Assemble Chili Boats: Spoon chili filling evenly into the opened sweet potatoes. Add desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced green onions.

Step 08

Serve: Serve warm with extra toppings on the side as preferred.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy if standard cheese or sour cream are used; vegan alternatives recommended for dairy-free diets.
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify labels on canned products to avoid cross-contamination.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 420
  • Fat Content: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 72 grams
  • Protein Content: 13 grams