Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup frozen corn; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Healthy Meals Collection

When I come home after a long day, there's nothing I love more than the warm, comforting aroma of a stew bubbling away in my crockpot. This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, it's not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. I love that I can simply toss everything into the crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious meal that the whole family will love. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling nourished and happy.

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-01-12T08:16:37.718Z

This stew turned out better than I ever imagined! I played around with different seasonings until I found the perfect combination of spices that complement the sweetness of the potatoes. Adding a little bit of smoked paprika gave it this incredible depth of flavor that just takes it to the next level.

One tip I discovered was to let it simmer longer on the low setting; the vegetables break down beautifully, creating a velvety sauce that wraps around each bite. The leftovers are just as good the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and filling, perfect for a healthy diet
Minimal prep time for maximum flavor
Versatile recipe that can easily be modified to your tastes

      

Understanding the Ingredients

In this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew, sweet potatoes are the star. Not only do they add a natural sweetness, but they're also rich in vitamins A and C, which help support a healthy immune system. It's important to dice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 1-inch cubes; this size will soften perfectly in the time allotted without losing their shape completely.

The black beans provide a hearty texture and protein boost, making the stew even more satisfying. If you're looking for a substitution, you could use kidney beans or chickpeas instead, but be mindful that the flavor profile will change slightly. Rinsing the beans is crucial, as it removes excess sodium and helps prevent the stew from becoming overly salty.

Perfecting Your Cooking Technique

When it comes to cooking this stew, setting the right temperature in your crockpot is key. For a low-and-slow flavor infusion, opt for the low setting, which allows the ingredients to meld beautifully over eight hours. If time is short, the high setting will work well too—but keep in mind that the flavors may not develop as deeply, and the texture of the sweet potatoes may be slightly different, so check them around the four-hour mark.

As the stew cooks, it's a good idea to resist the urge to lift the lid too often. Every time you open the lid, you release heat, which can extend cooking time. You'll know it's done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the broth has thickened slightly. If you find the stew too thin, just mash a few pieces of sweet potato against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this flavorful stew:

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious stew:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, black beans, and corn.

Add to Crockpot

Transfer the mixture into the crockpot. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your warm, comforting stew!

Pro Tips

For a hint of spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also substitute the black beans with kidney beans for a different flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew stores exceptionally well in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Alternatively, you can freeze the stew for up to three months. Be sure to leave space in the container for expansion due to freezing, and consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy reheating.

To reheat, simply place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it's too thick from refrigeration, adding a splash of vegetable broth can help restore its desired consistency. Microwaving is another quick option; just cover the bowl to avoid splatters and heat in one-minute increments until hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese to add a creamy, tangy contrast to the dish. Pair it with crusty whole-grain bread or a simple side salad to make a complete meal. I often enjoy it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

For a fun twist, consider topping the stew with chopped avocado or even tortilla strips for some crunch. If you’re looking to elevate the spice level, adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce while serving could provide an extra kick, perfect if you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will add an even fresher taste to the stew.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Try adding some chili powder or fresh jalapeños to kick up the heat!

→ Is this stew vegan-friendly?

Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, perfect for vegans and vegetarians.