slow cooker chili – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:48:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 Best Chili Recipe (5-star Beef Chili!) http://livelaughlovedo.com/best-chili-recipe-5-star-beef-chili/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/best-chili-recipe-5-star-beef-chili/#respond Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:48:09 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/09/06/best-chili-recipe-5-star-beef-chili/ [ad_1]

This beef chili recipe is hearty and flavorful, made with ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, homemade chili seasoning, and my secret ingredient – a little maple syrup.

If you’re looking for a 5-star, award-winning chili recipe –> it’s right here! I have won multiple chili cook-off contests with this tried-and-true recipe. And so have you! Scroll down to the comments to read all about other people winning chili cook-offs using this recipe 😍

4 bowls of beef chili with Fritos on top.

5-Star, Award-Winning Beef Chili

Thousands of you have made this chili recipe and it has OVER 1,000 5-star reviews. It is hands-down my most popular chili recipe on Fit Foodie Finds, and I can’t wait for you to make it!

Made with Classic Ingredients

There’s a big debate on the internet about whether classic chili has beans or no beans. In my opinion, the best chili recipe is a base of ground beef, tomato, spices, and BEANS. I love the number of fiber beans add to this dish and I promise you won’t regret adding them.

  • Ground beef: The star of the show here is ground beef. I’ll give you one secret, the fat in your beef matters! I’m a big fan of 80% or 85% fat because that little bit of fat adds so much flavor. If you go any leaner, you risk compromising flavor and texture.
  • Tomatoes: One of the reasons I love chili is because it’s made with tomato products. Thick, creamy, and so delicious. This recipe calls for 3 different kinds: tomato sauce (gives this recipe a delicious tomato flavor), diced tomatoes (adds great texture) , tomato puree (helps to thicken and intensify the flavors)
  • Beans: While some traditional beef chili does not call for beans, I like to up the ante a little bit in the nutrition department and include 2 different variations to make this the most epic chili beans recipe. Pinto beans and kidney beans add texture and fiber to this beef chili recipe.
  • Chili seasoning: Do yourself a favor and make your own chili seasoning. I promise you the flavor is better AND there isn’t any added junk. Try my homemade chili seasoning and keep a batch in your cabinet at all times.

Every chili needs a little bit of sugar in some form to bring out all of the savory flavors from the chili seasoning. So many of you have been surprised that my chili recipe calls for this ingredient — it’s my go-to natural sweetener for both sweet and savory dishes, and this chili recipe is no different!

What is the secret ingredient, you ask!? This classic chili recipe calls for a little bit of maple syrup. It’s warm, unrefined, and absolutely delightful.

Don’t have maple? Swap it with some brown sugar or even some honey. I’ve tested this chili recipe with both brown sugar and honey instead of maple, and both work just great.

beef and onions in stockpot.

How to Make Chili on the Stove Top

  1. Brown the ground beef with the minced onion and garlic.
  2. Add the beans, tomato products, and maple syrup.
  3. Add the chili seasoning and broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Let simmer for around 10 minutes to thicken.
  5. Serve with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
  • Slow Cooker Directions: Partially cook the beef on the stove. Then, transfer all ingredients in your slow cooker and mix. Cook on low for around 4 hours. Check out my slow cooker chili recipe.
  • Instant Pot Directions: Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and mix. Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Check out my Instant Pot chili recipe.

Tip! Thicken the Chili

The best way to thicken chili is to let it simmer on the stove over a low heat. This will reduce the moisture from the tomato products and thicken it right up.

Storing it in the fridge overnight will also thicken everything and often times, you need to add a splash of broth or water before serving the next day.

stockpot of the best chili recipe.

One great thing about chili is that it’s so versatile! Here are some ingredient swaps to make this recipe your own (I’ve tested each of these variations with great success!):

  • Meat: You can really use any ground meat (or no ground meat at all). I recommend trying ground turkey, ground chicken or a plant-based ground.
  • Beans: All variations of beans are up for grabs. Readers in the comments have added black beans and loved it, and I couldn’t agree more.
  • Spice: If you like it spicy, add some vinegar-based hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Delish!
  • Tomato products: Many people in the comments said they swapped diced tomatoes for fire-roasted tomatoes and it turned out great. I tried this for a chili cook-off and loved it, too!
Great Jones the Dutchess

Great Jones

The Dutchess

This is hands-down my favorite Dutch oven. It’s a 6.75 quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven that’s super high-quality and gorgeous.

Topping Ideas

In my opinion, chili isn’t chili without the toppings! Here are some of my go-to topping ideas:

  • Chips – tortilla chips or Fritos!
  • Chives
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Hot sauce
  • Shredded cheese

Got Leftovers?

Got leftovers? The options are endless for how you enjoy this chili again and again. Here are a few ideas on how to repurpose this recipe:

  • Chili Baked Potatoes: Top either a baked potato or baked sweet potato with leftover chili and shredded cheese.
  • Chili Nachos: Are you a fan of nachos just like me? Place a bag of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Then, top with leftover chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and other nachos toppings.
  • Chili Mac and Cheese: It doesn’t get much better than combining 2 of your favorite things into 1 dish. That’s exactly what I did in my Chili Mac and Cheese recipe.
bowl of beef chili with cheese on top.

This chili recipe keeps well in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week. I’ve also tested freezing it for later, and that works great, too.

Storing in the Fridge

Store beef chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Storing in the Freezer

Beef Chili is the perfect chili recipe to freeze! I wrote an entire post on how to freeze soup and it works the exact same way for chili.

  1. Let your beef chili cool completely.
  2. Then, transfer it into an airtight container or freezer-safe gallon-size bag.
  3. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
  4. Freeze for up to 3 months.

I recommend freezing your chili in a freezer-safe gallon-size bag or freezer-safe storage container. Make sure that you remove as much air as possible before sealing.

bowl of beef chili with Fritos and shredded cheese.

  • First, heat a large stockpot over medium/high heat.

  • Then, add ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic and sauté for 7-10 minutes or until beef is fully browned.

  • Next, add pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup to the pot and stir to combine.

  • Add spices and 1 cup of broth and stir to combine.

  • Bring beef chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

  • Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

  • Slow Cooker Directions: partially cook the beef on the stove. Then, transfer all ingredients in your slow cooker and mix. Cook on low for around 4 hours. Check out my slow cooker chili recipe.

  • Instant Pot Directions: add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and mix. Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Check out my Instant Pot chili recipe.

  • Meat: feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, bison, or a plant-based ground. I’ve tested this recipe with each meat option listed here. You may need to add a little oil when browning because these alternatives have a lower fat content.
  • Nutrition information is for 6 servings and does not include toppings.

Calories: 367 kcal, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 24 g, Fat: 14 g, Fiber: 11 g, Sugar: 11 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/best-chili-recipe-5-star-beef-chili/feed/ 0 Sweet Potato Lentil Chili [vegan + gluten-free] • Healthy Helper http://livelaughlovedo.com/sweet-potato-lentil-chili-vegan-gluten-free-healthy-helper/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/sweet-potato-lentil-chili-vegan-gluten-free-healthy-helper/#respond Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:10:35 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/04/sweet-potato-lentil-chili-vegan-gluten-free-healthy-helper/ [ad_1]

A hearty mix of legumes, vegetables, and sweet potato will be the perfect vegan comfort food for any occasion. Slightly sweet and slightly smoky, this Sweet Potato Lentil Chili bursts with flavor and amazing texture. A well-balanced, healthy meal with all the nutrients you need in one delicious bowl. Throw the ingredients in your slow cooker, and be prepared for your house to smell like chili heaven!

Sweet Potato Lentil Chili [vegan + gluten-free]

The one problem with being a food lover and a wannabe chef is that I always get ideas for new recipes and kitchen creations. This is great for blogging content, but it doesn’t leave me a lot of time to revisit old recipes.

I’ve been blogging for over 10 years now, so a lot of staples and favorites I shared in the first few years of my blog have certainly gotten neglected. I am pretty embarrassed by some of those older posts, writing, AND picture-wise (I’d like to think I’ve improved a lot since then! 😉 ), but the recipes are definitely winners! Plus, a lot of you who have only recently started reading Healthy Helper have probably never even seen them.

So I’ve decided to start rolling out ‘re-dos’ of some of my favorite recipes I’ve shared on the blog! Not only does this give me the chance to revamp them and update them for you guys, but I also get to bring some of my favorite meals back into my life. Out of the ones I’ve made so far, I am quickly being reminded why I created these recipes originally. Point blank: THEY ARE GOOD.

Vegan Comfort Food at its FINEST

Today, I am sharing one of my all-time go-to comfort food meals. It’s perfect for this time of year as it’s definitely slow-cooker season and gives you that stick-to-your-ribs feeling that a hot, hearty chili always does.

This chili is pretty special because it’s sweet AND savory. Yes, it includes the traditional spices like chili powder and cumin, but I also add cinnamon and sweet, sweet, sweet potatoes to give it a nice counterbalance to the spicy smokiness.

Vegan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Lentil Chili

Grab the recipe below and get to cookin’! I think this chili recipe will become a cold-weather staple for you. 🙂

Sweet Potato Lentil Chili [vegan + gluten-free]

Print

Sweet Potato Lentil Chili

  • Author: Kaila Proulx
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: chili
  • Diet: Vegan

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes

1 yam, peeled and cut into small cubes

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 bunch of kale, chopped

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

1 green pepper, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 large white onion, chopped

1 cup of mushrooms, chopped

1 small zucchini, chopped

1 32 oz container of veggie broth (low sodium, if possible)

1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

1 16 oz can no salt added diced tomatoes

1 can of tomato paste (no salt added, if possible)

1 cup split red lentils

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

1 tsp thyme

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp basil

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Microwave cubed sweet potato and yam on high for 2-3 minutes. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, with spices last. Mix well. Cover the return the lid to the slow cooker and cook chili on high for 4-6 hours (stir every hour or so). Serve hot with your choice of toppings (salsa, greek yogurt, shredded cheese, extra cilantro, Fritos…whatever you like!).

Did you make this recipe?

Sweet Potato Lentil Chili [vegan + gluten-free]

Packed to the brim with veggies, this chili is bursting with vitamins and minerals! It goes beyond the traditional chili ingredients and has lots of plant-based protein from lentils and beans. The sweet potatoes and yams are a great source of complex carbs, so you have a balanced meal all in one bowl. Or two! 😉

This chili recipe is certainly a favorite in my house, and I’ve made it for several holiday gatherings to share with my family. Nothing but rave reviews have resulted!

Definitely give this a go if you’re looking for a healthy twist on classic chili! This has all the flavor with a lot more nutrients to offer you.

Do you ever revisit old favorite recipes?

What’s your favorite fall/winter meal?

What’s your MUST have chili ingredient?

 
 
 
 
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98 responses to “Sweet Potato Lentil Chili [vegan + gluten-free]”

  1. This is SO MANY ingredients, but it looks so good that I think I’ll have to just go out and get all of them and make it sometime this week. 🙂


  2. there is so much goodness packed into this hearty chili that you don’t even need the meat!


  3. I love the recipe redo idea! Sometimes there are those long lost recipes that we the bloggers still adore but no one else even knows about. And this bowl!!! The epitome of cozy right there, I love the sweet and spicy balance 🙂


  4. All I’ve been craving since returning from a trip to Asia is chili! This one will have to go on the menu this week 🙂 Gotta love the improvements in food photography – I’ve been slowly updating some of my old recipes too! The old orange pictures make me cringe!


  5. Love this recipe. There are so many good & tasty ingredients in this dish. Your photos are lovely too.


  6. I love black beans and sweet potatoes – never think of putting lentils in place of the black bean in my chili – YUM!!!


  7. Wow, I love seeing so many veggies and so many seasonings! It sounds delicious!


  8. I can sooooo see why this is a comfort food! And yes, it is defo slow cooker season! I may try this out at some point. #tastytuesdays


  9. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili by Kaila at Healthy Helper […]

  10. Love that this has ALL of the ingredients I have been trying to eat more of. Bonus that it is made in the slow cooker. Will definitely be making this next week. Thanks for the great recipe!

    P.S. I hear you on the pictures thing – I am very slowly improving and already want to go back and change some photos, but that’s a good thing!

    P.S.S. So glad I found your blog on What’s Cookin’ Wedneday – in dire need of some healthy recipes right now.


  11. Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party.


  12. Hey – redos are great for those of us only having started reading your blog a few months ago =) I’ve been considering doing the same myself since I have some great recipes on the blog with kind of crappy pictures ;p

    This sounds so good! I have never thought of sweet potatoes of chili – this is like a combo of 2 of my favourite things. And I love the sound of this sweet & savoury dish. And the pictures are gorgeous =)


  13. Love stews, they are what I believe a comfy food. Perfect for a cold day. Thank you for this amazing recipe.

    xx Marta


  14. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili […]

  15. Lately I’ve been on a chili kick — making all different kinds. This sounds like one I’d like to try!


  16. Wow! You’ve been blogging awhile. It is great to find you through Gluten Free Fridays. This recipe is right up my alley, I love the slight smokiness to this dish. And, I can only imagine the inviting smell wafting through your home. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  17. Wow that looks so delicious! Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays


  18. Hi Kaila,
    Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite foods and this recipe sounds absolutely delicious, filled so many good vegetables, spices and so healthy, Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!


  19. This looks yummy! I love meatless chili. Thanks for sharing on healthy living link party!


  20. Some recipes are just worth revisiting! I love anything with sweet potato. #freefromfridays


  21. This looks great, and so healthy!


  22. […] Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Chili @ Healthy Helper […]

  23. This looks delicious! I love a good vegetarian chili that doesn’t involve any prep! I’ll have to try this for dinner this week!


  24. […] ten times more flavorful. I usually stick with the traditional slow cooker classics like chili or soup, but recently I was inspired to try something a little different. One thing I’ve […]

  25. Sounds really nice. I’ve never tried a chilli with cinnamon in it, but I’m not adverse to the idea.

    Thanks for linking up to #LifeLovingLinkie

    Sally @ Life Loving


  26. This looks like a fantastic bowl of Chili, we will love it! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great week.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen


  27. […] (TOP) Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili  – Healthy Helper Blog (BOTTOM) DIY Dinosaur Plank Art and How to Paint Letters on Wood – Simply Beautiful by Angela […]

  28. Chili is such a nice comfort food this time if year! Thanks for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party. Hope you’ll join us for the next one.


  29. This looks wonderful! I love a good vegan chili. Thanks so much for sharing it on WNWNW, I’m featuring it this week 🙂


  30. Looks very hearty. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays


  31. You have been featured on Healthy Living Link Party! Join us again tonight!


  32. […] chose Sweet Potato Lentil Chili from Healthy Helper […]

  33. […] chose Sweet Potato Lentil Chili from Healthy Helper […]

  34. […] chose Sweet Potato Lentil Chili from Healthy Helper […]

  35. Hi there
    Just stopped by to let you know that I featured this on my Round Tuit post this week!
    Saturday Spotlight
    Thanks again for linking up! Hope you have a great weekend!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success


  36. I’m loving all the tasty and healthy ingredients here. Delicious.


  37. This looks delicious! I love a bowl of chili on a nice cold day. I’ve never had chili with sweet potatoes, but it sounds interesting. I’ve been thinking about going vegan for health reasons, and finding great recipes like this makes me feel like I might be able to do it! Thanks for sharing at Submarine Sunday!


  38. […] Get the recipe from Healthy Helper Blog […]

  39. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili | Healthy Helper […]

  40. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili […]

  41. […] Any Sweet Potatoes Left? Try Healthy Helper’s Sweet Potato Lentil Chili. Get the Recipe HERE. […]

  42. […] chose Sweet Potato Lentil Chili from Healthy Helper […]

  43. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili by Healthy Helper Blog […]

  44. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili from Healthy Helper […]

  45. […] Bean Chili – Girl Makes Food Slow Cooked Vegan Minestrone – The Healthy Helper Blog Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili – The Healthy Helper Blog Join the new Fitness Health and Happiness link-up! […]

  46. […] you prefer savory or sweet […]

  47. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili via Healthy Helper Blog  […]

  48. […] local farmer markets are stocked with kale, broccoli, apples, cauliflower, carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potato. A healthy, nutrient dense diet is the best defense against sickness of any […]

  49. […] like chunky soups full of big vegetable pieces and grains, pureed soups that are creamy and thick, and pretty much every type of texture in […]

  50. Love the recipe and would make it without a microwave. I don’t believe foods cooked in them aren’t that good for me. Saw you at we-nspired bloggers on Pinterest. Have a happy day! Nancy Andres


  51. I just love sweet potatoes in chili! It eliminates the need for corn bread or chips and gives the dish such an edge!


  52. […] Tuesday: Sweet potato lentil chili […]

  53. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili – Healthy Helper […]

  54. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili  […]

  55. […] of my FAVORITE meals as a kid was my mom’s homemade chili. A classic meat and bean filled meal full of spices, chili sauce, chopped peppers & onions, and […]

  56. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili – Healthy Helper […]

  57. […] Sweet Potato Lentil Chili: Looking for a meal that is Vegan & Gluten Free? Check out this amazing recipe from Kaila at […]

  58. Thank you so much for sharing at the Lazy Gastronome’s What’s for Dinner party. Have a fabulous week.

  59. I can’t wait to try this awesome chili, it looks so good! It is featured on Full Plate Thursday, 572 this week. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

    ★★★★★

  60. This certainly looks comforting and satisfying!! Thanks for sharing at the Meatless Monday party. Have a great weekend.

  61. Nancy Andres says:

    Great recipe. I’ve never have used kale in my vegan chili recipe, but you inspired me.

    ★★★★★


  62. this post was deleted from the Meatless Monday link up. Please be sure to read the rules and guidelines. Thanks.

  63. I think I messed up. I’m so sorry!! You shared this at the What’s for Dinner party, not the Meatless Monday. Please accept my apology!!

  64. What a great idea! I need this in my life.

    ★★★★

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