Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew on busy days when I want a nutritious meal without all the fuss. The flavors meld beautifully and create a hearty dish that my whole family enjoys. Within a few hours, the sweet potatoes become tender, and the spices create a warm, inviting aroma that fills the house. It's a great way to pack in vegetables and fiber while keeping things simple. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with only one pot to wash!

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:55:06.832Z

Creating this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew has become a delightful ritual in my kitchen. I find that using fresh herbs and spices really elevates the flavors. One of my favorite tips is to let the stew cook on low for the full 4 hours, as this allows the sweet potatoes to absorb all the delicious flavors, and the texture becomes wonderfully creamy.

Each time I make this stew, I enjoy experimenting with different vegetables based on what's in season or what I have on hand. It’s not only versatile but ensures the stew remains interesting. Adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens the whole dish and makes the flavors pop!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with nutritious sweet potatoes full of vitamins
Easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time
Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The main star of this dish is the sweet potato, which not only adds natural sweetness but also serves as a great source of vitamins A and C. When cooked in the crockpot, sweet potatoes become tender and absorb the flavors of the spices and other ingredients, creating a rich and satisfying texture. Choosing medium-sized sweet potatoes ensures that they cook evenly and blend perfectly with the other components of the stew.

Including black beans in this stew not only boosts its protein content but also provides a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes. They add a hearty element to the dish, making it filling and nutritious. Make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any excess sodium or preservatives, enhancing the overall flavor of your stew.

Cooking Techniques in the Crockpot

By setting the crockpot to low for 4 hours, you allow the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply flavored stew. If you’re short on time, the high setting for 2 hours is still effective, but keeping it on low allows the sweet potatoes to break down a bit more and create a creamier consistency. Keep an eye on it towards the end of cooking to ensure nothing overcooks; the sweet potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy.

When mixing the ingredients, layering them properly can enhance the cooking process. Place the sweet potatoes at the bottom, followed by the canned goods, onions, and garlic. This helps in even cooking, as the moisture from the tomatoes and broth keeps the sweet potatoes hydrated and tender while they cook.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small, even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Add to the Crockpot

Place all the ingredients into the crockpot, including the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Set to Cook

Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Finish and Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider throwing in some fresh spinach or kale in the last hour of cooking. This adds a nice nutrient boost and a pop of color to your stew.

Storing and Reheating

This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an excellent meal prep option. Make sure to let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to three months. Just ensure to leave some space in the container, as the stew may expand as it freezes.

Reheating is simple—just transfer the stew to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick after reheating, a splash of vegetable broth can help achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating it in intervals to ensure even warming.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve this hearty stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess and a tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes. A sprinkling of feta cheese can also add a wonderful salty depth. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping or over quinoa for a protein boost!

For variations, consider adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture. You can also spice it up with a hint of chili powder or pepper flakes if you like your stew with a kick. If you want to turn this into a one-pot meal, simply serve the stew over cooked rice or grains and enjoy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables in this stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini depending on your preference.

→ How can I make this stew spicier?

You can add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the stew while cooking to give it an extra kick.

→ Is this stew freezer friendly?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ Can I make this stew vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly, as all ingredients are plant-based.