• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
New!Get Your 6-Week Real Food Meal Plan + Grocery List
  • New? Start here!
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact

The Real Food Dietitians

Eat well. Live well. Be well.

  • Free Meal Plans
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Meal
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Snacks
      • Salads & Sides
      • Soups & Chilis
      • Appetizers
      • Drinks & Smoothies
      • Desserts
      • Condiments
    • Diet
      • Whole30
      • Gluten-free
      • Grain-Free
      • Dairy-Free
      • Paleo
      • Egg-Free
      • Nut-free
      • Vegetarian
      • Vegan
    • Method
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
      • Grill
      • Stovetop
      • Oven
      • Blender
      • Air Fryer
      • Smoker
      • No-Bake
      • Meal Prep
    • Protein
      • Chicken
      • Turkey
      • Beef
      • Pork
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Eggs
      • Meatless
    • Filter Recipes
  • Wellness
    • What is Real Food?
    • Free Meal Plans
    • Wellness
  • Recipe eBooks
  • Stay Updated On New Posts
    RFD

    Stay updated on our latest posts and more!

  • Breakfasts
  • Main Entrees
  • Meal Prep
  • Deals & Discounts
  • Meal Plans
  • Ask The Dietitians
Home Blog

Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes

W Whole30 EF Egg-Free GF Gluten-free NF Nut-free GR Grain-Free DF Dairy-Free P Paleo
8 hrs, 20 mins.
5 /5
24 Comments
Jump to Recipe
Jessica Beacom
By: Jessica Beacom Posted: 2/20/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when it involves this Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes!

A white bowl on a dark surface that's filled with Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes and topped with sliced jalapeños, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

This post was created in collaboration with Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. We received compensation, but all opinions are our own.

February is the month for hearts.

February not only means cute paper Valentine hearts for classroom celebrations, but it’s also the month we recognize – and call attention to – the importance of heart health. For a few weeks every year, the American Heart Association (AHA) reminds us of how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle which is why we’ve teamed up with Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff to bring you this Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes. It checks all of the boxes for us when it comes to taste, nutrition, and convenience. 

Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili ingredients in a slow cooker

Eat Smart.

But before we dive into the recipe, we want to talk a little about “Heart Month” and the message to “Eat Smart” because it’s something that we should be keeping top of mind throughout the year for better health. 

We love the phrase ‘eat smart’ because it comes without judgment or the implication of restriction. As Registered Dietitians, people often ask us “What’s the best diet out there right now?”, “Which foods are the best and the worst?”, “Should I be eating more X and less Y?”. You may be surprised to find out that our answer is always, “The diet that works for you.” with the caveat of diet meaning a ‘way of eating’ and not a ‘ way of restricting’. So, in other words, we want you to ‘eat smart’ and in a way that makes you feel your best.

Not sure what that means for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to guide you! Also, be sure to check out this post from fellow Registered Dietitian, Carolyn Williams, for more ways to look after your heart health without making it overly complicated.

Overhead view of a slow cooker filled with Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Eating for heart health.

You may have expected a long list of do’s and don’ts but that’s not what we’re about.  We know personally and professionally that what works for one doesn’t work for everyone. This is why we want to share these tips – along with our recipe for Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes – today to help you craft a style of eating that provides adequate nourishment, is satisfying and sustainable, and doesn’t take an advanced degree in nutrition science to execute!

  • No restrictions and no labels. Putting a name or label on your diet may be one way to identify what you do or don’t eat but, for many, over time it becomes a way of restricting themselves from foods they’ve deemed to be ‘bad’ or ‘unhealthy’. Moving away from diet labels and embracing the idea that no foods are truly off-limits can be very freeing.
  • Lots of plants. You’ve likely heard the famous Michael Pollan quote summing up everything he’s learned about food in seven words, “Eat food, mostly plants, not too much.” We could not have said it better ourselves. While we believe that less nutritious foods can be part of a healthy diet we also know that a diet that’s heavily based on plants – fruits, vegetables, legumes, and gluten-free grains included – is one that helps you meet your nutrient needs without having to rely on supplements. Filling your plate half full with vegetables at lunch and dinner – and including fruits and vegetables at breakfast and snacks is an easy way to eat more plants without having to weigh or measure anything.
  • Make it colorful. Ever wonder why fruits and vegetables come in so many different colors? It’s because each one offers unique and varied phytochemicals that support health. If you aim to consume a diet that contains an array of colors, you won’t have to remember which food contains which nutrients or phytochemicals.
A close up shot of a white bowl on a dark surface that's filled with Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes and topped with sliced jalapeños, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
  • Keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate things. When you focus on meals that include plenty of colorful produce, enough protein and fat to satisfy your hunger, and enough carbohydrates (from vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, etc.) to support your energy levels you don’t have to count calories or track your macros. Just keep it simple.
  • Lean protein for the win. Before you think ‘chicken, chicken, chicken‘ hear us out! Beef is an excellent source of lean protein and it’s also a great source of iron, vitamins B6 and B12, and zinc and when combined with sweet potatoes and other vegetables in this Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes it’s an easy and delicious way to eat smart all year round. Studies show that eating lean beef, as part of a balanced diet, supports healthy blood pressure and blood lipids.
  • Enjoy treats on occasion. Is it possible to enjoy a treat here and there and still ‘eat smart’? You’d better believe it is! Rather than thinking of treats or other less nutrient-dense foods as being off-limits, we like to think of them as foods we eat less often (weekly or even monthly, depending on the food). For example, while pizza may not be the best choice every night it’s not inconceivable that a slice or two couldn’t happen once a week with a big salad on the side as part of a family pizza night ritual. The same thing goes for sweet treats. A small square of dark chocolate might be the perfect indulgence on a regular basis and one that fits well into your overall diet while a trip to the local ice cream shop for a once a month treat is a special moment you share with a friend or your kids. Bottom line: Nothing makes you crave a food more than making it off-limits. By allowing and planning for treats you can enjoy them as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle without guilt. 
An overhead shot of a white bowl and two silver spoons on a dark surface that's filled with Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes and topped with sliced jalapeños, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Putting it all together. 

Are you wondering how this Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes fits into the grand scheme of things when it comes to eating smart and Heart Month? Well, it checks so many of the boxes! In addition to being packed with lean beef for protein, it also boasts a big punch of vitamins A and C from the tomatoes, peppers, and sweet potatoes. Add to that the fact that it takes just 20 minutes to prep and it’s freezer-friendly and can be topped with different toppings to please everyone at the table and you’ve got one hearty, healthy, and seriously satisfying meal on your hands. Beef is also the star of this cornbread topped chili casserole.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Loading
Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes
Recipe
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews

Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Prep: 20 mins.Cook: 8 hoursTotal: 8 hours, 20 mins.
Pin for Later Rate recipe
  • Email Recipe
Print Recipe
Servings: Serves 8

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. Boneless Beef Chuck or Round Roast, well-trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil or other cooking fat of choice, for optional browning of meat
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced 
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 ounces no-salt-added tomato paste (½ of a 6-ounce can) 
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

Suggested toppings: Sliced avocado, pickled or fresh jalapeno slices, cilantro, lime wedges.

Instructions

  1. If browning the meat (this step is optional but recommended), heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium to medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and cook 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip each piece using a tong or spatula and continue the process until the meat is browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Combine all ingredients (beef through broth) in a slow cooker set on low. 
  3. Cook for 8 hours on low or until beef is tender.
  4. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve with desired toppings.

Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive so we can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.

Notes

Leftover chili may be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 ¾ cups (without toppings)
  • Calories: 356
  • Fat: 14g
  • (Sat Fat: 5g)
  • Sodium: 485mg
  • Carbohydrate: 22g
  • (Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 11g)
  • Protein: 33g

Dietary

Dairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-freeGrain-FreeNut-freePaleoWhole30
© The Real Food Dietitians
Recipe By: Jessica Beacom

Did you make this?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram @therealfooddietitians

Rate recipe Tag us on Instagram

Pin it now & Make it later!

Pin image for Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes

This post was made possible by our friends at Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Although we received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed here are – as always – 100% our own. Thank you for supporting the great companies we work with thereby allowing us to continue creating great recipes and content for you.

Photo Credit: The photos in this blog post were taken by Jess of Plays Well with Butter. 

1061 shares
  • Share
  • Email
Jessica Beacom

Jessica Beacom

Jessica is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist living in Boulder, CO with her husband and two daughters. She's been raising backyard chickens for over a decade. When she's not in the kitchen you'll find her mountain biking, gravel cycling, telemark skiing, and camping.

Read more...
Low Sugar Double Chocolate Mint Cookies studded with chocolate chips and chunks on a white surface surrounded by fresh mint leaves.
Previous Post
Low Sugar Double Chocolate Mint Cookies
Dairy-Free Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo
Next Post
Dairy-Free Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. AvatarTaylor says

    Posted on 10/11/22 at 9:41 am

    I ran out of time to get this in the crockpot this morning. Do you have any recommendations for how long if you are cooking on high?

    Reply
    • Jessica BeacomJessica Beacom says

      Posted on 10/11/22 at 12:25 pm

      4-5 hours on high should get the job done!

      Reply
  2. AvatarJerry says

    Posted on 2/2/23 at 8:30 am

    I still get a bit lost in the sweet potato aisle. Which kind of sweet potato would be best to avoid getting too mushy (for lack of a better word)?😁

    Reply
    • Jessie ShaferJessie Shafer says

      Posted on 2/3/23 at 10:38 am

      Hi Jerry, you can use a yam, sweet potato, or white sweet potato. They will all last a similar length of time and hold up well in this cooked chili recipe.

      Reply
  3. AvatarTom says

    Posted on 1/30/24 at 6:45 pm

    One of the things I miss about my time in Texas when I stationed at Ft Bliss TX (El Paso) was the Chili Cookoffs and the BBQ. This recipe has a lot of chunks of goodness and has a good level of spiciness to it. I like how there are no beans to it as I tend to like Chili without beans.

    It was easy to follow and my VA Dietitian who recommended this recipe will be pleased I liked it so much.

    Reply
    • Stacie HassingStacie Hassing says

      Posted on 1/31/24 at 8:53 am

      Awesome Tom! We appreciate the feedback and 5-star review!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Meet the Dietitians

The Real Food Dietitians combines our love of nutrition, health, and real food with ease and convenience to bring you recipes that are big on flavor but short on ingredients.

jessica

Jessica Beacom

RDN
stacie

Stacie Hassing

RDN, LD
jessie

Jessie Shafer

RDN

Follow us

New!

6 Week Meal Plan

Includes Grocery Lists for Each Week

Features brand new recipes you won't find anywhere else!

Buy Now

Favorite Recipes

White filled with korean inspired ground beef with rice and veggies.

36 Healthy Ground Beef Recipes

Serving of healthy blueberry baked oatmeal in stone shallow bowl, topped with yogurt and fresh blueberries.

Healthy Blueberry Baked Oatmeal (Gluten-free)

Overhead view cast iron skillet filled with chicken curry with chickpeas, cauliflower and spinach.

Chicken and Chickpea Curry (Easy Weeknight Meal)

Overhead view white bowl filled with egg roll in a bowl recipe, chop sticks resting on edge of bowl

Egg Roll In A Bowl (Healthy and Easy)

Overhead view baked ziti with Parmesan cheese on top served in stone bowl

5-Ingredient Baked Ziti (Gluten Free Option)

More Delicious

Blog

How To Toast Almonds (Stovetop And Oven Method)

Cold Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

Overhead view of a colorful bowl of Arugula Salad With Lemon And Basil topped with shaved parmesan cheese.

Arugula Salad With Lemon And Basil

Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Browse All
Subscribe

Get 30-Minute Dinner Recipesl sent to your inbox!

Loading

As Seen In

Country Living
Well Good
Greatist
womens day
clean eating
better homes gardens
  • Recipes
    • Breakfasts
    • Dinners
    • Desserts
    • Healthy Snacks
    • Drinks
  • Meal Prep
    • Free Meal Plans
    • Favorite Products
    • Meal Prep Recipes
    • Online Meal Planner
  • Wellness
    • New? Start Here
    • Real Food 101
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Wellness

Follow us on social

Ask The Dietitians

About Us

Work With Us

Privacy Policy

Terms

Accessibility

Contact

© 2025 The Real Food Dietitians
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
1061 shares