Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Light Healthy Meals Ideas

We love creating wholesome meals that warm the soul, and this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew is one of our favorites. The blend of sweet potatoes, beans, and fragrant spices makes it both nourishing and satisfying. I find that letting the ingredients slow-cook all day in the crockpot allows the flavors to deepen and develop beautifully. It’s a perfect dish for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner, and the bright colors make it irresistible on the dinner table!

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2026-01-12T05:05:34.779Z

While experimenting with different stew recipes, I came across the idea of using sweet potatoes as the base. I was amazed at how they added a natural sweetness and creaminess that elevated the dish. Paired with black beans and a rich blend of spices, this stew not only became a staple in my kitchen but also a hit during our family gatherings.

What I appreciate most about this stew is its versatility. You can easily add other vegetables or adjust the spices according to your preference. I often add a splash of lime juice right before serving for a zesty kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors
Effortless preparation – just chop and let the crockpot do the work
Perfect for leftovers and meal prep

The Role of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes serve as the heart of this stew, bringing a natural sweetness and creamy texture as they cook down. When choosing sweet potatoes, go for firm ones without any blemishes or soft spots. Dicing them into even cubes ensures they cook uniformly, giving you the best mouthfeel. As they simmer in the crockpot, their sweetness balances the savory beans and spices, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that’s satisfying and nourishing.

Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, making this dish not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Once cooked, they become tender and absorb the flavors of the spices and broth beautifully. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can reduce the cooking time by checking the stew for doneness on the lower setting after about 6 hours.

Spice it Up

The spice blend of cumin and paprika gives this stew its delightful depth. Cumin adds an earthy warmth, while paprika contributes a mild smokiness. For an extra kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder. Adjust the spice level according to your preference—start with half a teaspoon of cayenne and increase from there if you enjoy heat. I often add a dash of hot sauce at the end for a fiery finish, balancing the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor.

Remember that spices like cumin benefit from blooming before combining them in the stew. You can do this by briefly toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—before adding to the crockpot. This step enhances their flavor and ensures that the spice profile is robust throughout the dish.

Serving and Storing

This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew is excellent for meal prep and can be made in large batches. After cooking, allow it to cool before transferring it to airtight containers for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You might need to add a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much during storage.

Serving suggestions for this stew can elevate your meal experience. Pair it with crusty whole-grain bread for a hearty dinner or serve it atop a bed of quinoa or rice for added texture and protein. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of cheese when serving can provide creaminess that balances the dish beautifully. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, so don’t skip that garnish!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Mix these ingredients in your crockpot for a delicious stew!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, then chop the bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.

Combine in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, combine the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, and vegetable broth.

Season and Cook

Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, cover, and set the crockpot to low for 8 hours, or high for 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your healthy stew!

This hearty stew is ready to enjoy with your favorite bread or on its own!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself short on black beans, they can easily be swapped with kidney beans or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Lentils are also a great substitute but should be added later in the cooking process to ensure they don’t become mushy. For a vegetarian version, ensure that your broth is vegetable-based; chicken broth would change the dish's character altogether.

For those needing a lower-carb option, you can replace sweet potatoes with butternut squash or turnips, although the flavor will shift slightly. If you’re avoiding tomatoes due to dietary restrictions, consider using a cup of diced zucchini or carrots for additional bulk and nutrition.

Flavor Enhancements

To enhance the flavors of the stew, consider adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or the juice of a lime right before serving. This brightens the flavors and adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness of the potatoes. You can also stir in a tablespoon of nut butter, like almond or peanut, which creates a creamy texture and nutty flavor profile that complements the dish perfectly.

If you're in the mood for something a bit more exotic, toss in a teaspoon of curry powder or turmeric. These spices not only contribute a vibrant color but also an additional layer of flavor that can completely transform the dish into a curry-inspired stew.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your stew comes out too watery, it may be due to the amount of liquid in your canned tomatoes. To thicken it, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes directly in the pot after cooking to create a creamier texture. Another option is to add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and let the mixture cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on high until thickened.

On the flip side, if you find the flavors too muted, consider boosting them at the end of the cooking time by adjusting the seasoning. Adding more salt, pepper, or spices can make a significant difference in bringing out the final dish's nuanced flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, frozen sweet potatoes work well. Just add them directly to the crockpot without thawing.

→ Is this stew vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a delicious vegan option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make this stew spicier?

Certainly! Feel free to add some chili powder or diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.