Sweet Potato, Poblano and Chorizo Chili is a southwest twist on classic chili with just the right amount of spice. Hearty and satisfying!
My husaband and I are in a heated thermostat war which can only mean one thing…chili season is here!
I don’t know what it’s like in your neck of the woods but here in the Midwest we seem to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of 40 degree mornings followed by 60-70 degree afternoons hence the thermo struggle. I slyly turn the heat on around 6pm, anticipating the chilly night ahead, then Ben “The Furnace” goes into a sweat-induced rage a few hours later clicking it off after everyone is asleep, and we all wake up shivering. This is the time of year when I just want the weather to commit already. Be hot, or be cold, but don’t be both. You aren’t a Baked Alaska.
Anyway, the madness will eventually end and when those cool mornings turn into cool evenings, I’ve got a yummy chili recipe for you to have bubbling on the stove, shredded cheese and tortilla chips at the ready. Sweet Potato, Poblano and Chorizo Chili has just the right amount of spice to warm you from the inside out, and is such a cinch to whip up!
Sweet Potato, Poblano and Chorizo Chili
The tender sweet potatoes, earthy poblano peppers, and spiced chorizo highlighted in this chili recipe topped with all the fixin’s is hearty, healthy, and filling, plus the leftovers are perfect to reheat for lunches all week long — they get better as they sit!
The inspiration came from another chili recipe of mine that’s going gangbusters on Pinterest right now – Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Quinoa Turkey Chili. The subtle sweetness from diced sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with chorizo which is spiced with paprika, cinnamon, and chili powder. Poblano pepper adds another “meaty” element to the dish, while black beans add heft and health to each spoonful.
If you’re looking to fill some bellies with warm and hearty comfort food over the next couple of months, this Sweet Potato, Poblano and Chorizo Chili is it. There’s definitely something to be said about classic chili on a cold evening, but this twist is a must-try too.
Don’t forget the homemade cornbread!
Start by adding 1 cubed sweet potato (about 2 cups,) 1 chopped poblano pepper (look for them by the jalapeños at the grocery store – note: poblanos are not spicy!) and 1 shallot or small onion to 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
Season with salt and pepper then saute until the sweet potatoes begin to slightly soften, 5 minutes.
Next add 12oz chorizo then saute until cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Add 2 cloves minced garlic then saute for 30 more seconds or until very fragrant.
Last step is to add the remaining ingredients including a 15oz can black beans that have been drained and rinsed, 28oz can crushed tomatoes, 1-1/2 cups chicken broth, and a bunch of chili-esque spices including chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon (you’ll love how it tastes with the chorizo!)
I also call for adding 1-1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar. This will not make your chili taste sweet, it will just take the hard edge of the crushed tomatoes off. Trust me!
Place a lid partially on top then simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, and then ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings.
Personally I feel a vat of chili isn’t a vat of chili without loads of freshly shredded cheese and an offensively large crush of tortilla chips on top, but you do you and serve this yummy Sweet Potato, Poblano and Chorizo Chili however you see fit. Enjoy, enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2” cubes (~2 cups)
- 1 poblano pepper, seeded then chopped
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- salt and pepper
- 12 oz chorizo, homemade or store bought, see notes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves, omit if using store bought chorizo
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Toppings: tortilla chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, sour cream, etc
Directions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potatoes, poblano peppers, and shallots, season with salt and pepper, then saute until sweet potatoes begin to soften, 5 minutes. Add chorizo then saute until cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Add garlic then saute for 30 seconds.
- Add remaining ingredients then stir to combine and turn heat up to bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium-low then place a lid partially on top and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping off any fat from the chorizo that rises to the top. Taste then adjust seasoning if necessary, and then serve with toppings.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
This chili is a must try. It is so delicious!
I’m so glad you loved it, Kim! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Great recipe. Tweaks: I grilled the poblanos and roasted the sweet potatoes, to add some flavor, and then cut down on the chili powder because I felt it may have too much heat. Perfection, and will make this again.
Sounds delicious, Dave!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
made this today. really liked it. only thing id do different is omit the cloves in the chorizo. i also used ground turkey vs pork for a leaner chorizo, all in all it was good. will make again.
Thrilled to hear it, Jim! Thank you for your feedback!
This didn’t disappoint! The homemade chorizo made a big difference I think and was super easy to do
Yes!! So glad you gave it a try, Heidi!
Do you think it’d be just as good without the beans?. I just can’t do beans. I know I’m weird, but the consistency or something just gets me.
Kristen, this chili is….the best. I made it probably 3-4 times last year and got my sister and her husband hooked too. Weather is just changing here in Ohio, and as soon as it gets *JUST* cool enough I’ll be making it. PS advice to all–double this recipe. So good!
Thank you so much, Ashley! So happy you love it!
This is really really good!! I used chicken chorizo instead and it was fun! Definelty will make again! Thanks!
oh my gosh oh my gosh I am so excited that you included a recipe fro homemade chorizo I have been wanting to make some for a very long time. The chili looks amazing too. Thank you
I have made this twice in less than two weeks. I doubled the black beans the second time, with the hopes of having more leftovers, but I think we just ended up eating even bigger servings! So good!
So glad to hear it, Maggie!! It’s a repeater over here, too!
I made this chili last night and it was a huge hit! Love the cumin and cinnamon in there. I used ground beef instead of chorizo since that’s what I had on hand. Leftovers are already being devoured today for lunch.
Love it!! Thanks for the feedback, Grace!
I made this chili a few days ago and it is awesome! I didn’t use Chorizo as it is so greasy and didn’t take time to make “your homemade Chorizo” so I just used regular sausage. Like I said it was wonderful! I love your recipes and there are those in my family who are sensitive to gluten so always anxious to see your post. I think the Wild Rice Stuffing recipe you posted looks wonderful. I plan to try It as soon as I get some wild rice.
I’m so glad you liked the chili, Wyla!! And let us know what you think about the stuffing! :)
Amazing dish…I made it tonight.
Thanks for the feedback, Travis, so glad you liked it! :)
I am trying this chili tomorrow night. It looks delicious! I’d love to know how you make your spiralized sweet potato fries. How long do you bake them? What temp? Thanks!
Hi Laura! I use the thin blade, toss with extra virgin olive oil and seasonings then roast at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes ish tossing a few times!