Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili: Hearty 8-Hour Win

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If your days are packed and your evenings are begging for something warm and nourishing, Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili is about to become your new best friend. This is the kind of meal that greets you at the door with a cozy aroma and says, “Relax, dinner’s handled.” Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting bowl of plant-based goodness, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

I’m Mounia from SlowCookersRecipes.com, and I lean hard into recipes like this—set-it-and-forget-it, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying. This chili is hearty without being heavy, naturally vegan, and flexible enough for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Bonus? Your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) does most of the work while you live your life.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

Let’s talk about why this Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili earns a permanent spot in your rotation:

Hands-off cooking: Dump, stir, and walk away. That’s it.
Hearty and filling: Lentils, sweet potatoes, and beans make it satisfying without meat.
Family-friendly: Mild heat, customizable spice, and cozy flavors picky eaters can get behind.
Great for meal prep: It tastes even better the next day (hello, leftovers!).
Budget-conscious: Pantry staples that stretch into six generous servings.

If your week ever feels like one long to-do list (been there), this chili is the calm in the chaos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this comforting bowl. Nothing fancy—just honest ingredients doing good work.

1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 sweet potatoes, chopped
2 (796 ml / 28 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (398 ml / 14 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups frozen corn
3½ cups vegetable broth (see Instant Pot note below)
1½ cups dried green lentils
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnishes (but highly encouraged):

Diced avocado
Fresh parsley or cilantro

This ingredient list is doing double duty: cozy and nourishing.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

Slow Cooker Directions (My Favorite Way)

Add all ingredients to your slow cooker. No pre-cooking required—yes, really.
Give everything a good stir so the lentils and spices are evenly mixed.
Cover and cook:
- Low: 8 hours
- High: 4½ hours
Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Taste and adjust the chili powder if needed, adding 1 teaspoon at a time until it’s just right.

That’s it. You’ve officially nailed dinner.

Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Directions (When You’re Short on Time)

If you need chili today (same), the Instant Pot has your back.

Use 3 cups vegetable broth instead of 3½.
Add all ingredients to a 6-quart pressure cooker and stir well.
Lock the lid and close the pressure release valve.
Set to Pressure Cook (High) for 10 minutes.
- The pot will take about 30 minutes to come to pressure.
When cooking ends, press Cancel and allow a 15-minute natural release.
Carefully quick-release any remaining pressure, then remove the lid.
Season with salt, pepper, and extra chili powder if desired.

Fast, easy, and still incredibly cozy.

Cooking Tips for Chili Success

Pick through your lentils. It takes a minute, but it’s worth it to avoid any sneaky debris.
Too thick? Add a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it sit uncovered for a bit—it thickens naturally.
Spice control: This chili is mild. If your crew likes heat, add cayenne or smoked paprika.
Low sodium win: Using low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomatoes lets you control seasoning.

If your chili looks extra thick, don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili saved me during one of those weeks where everything felt loud and rushed. I tossed everything into the slow cooker early in the morning, went about my day, and came home to a house that smelled like a warm hug. Dinner was done, stress was lower, and leftovers meant future me was also taken care of. That’s the kind of cooking I love—simple, supportive, and real.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili

Can I substitute another type of lentil?

Green lentils work best because they hold their shape. Brown lentils are also fine. Red lentils will cook faster and break down more, giving you a softer, stew-like texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This chili also freezes beautifully.

Can I freeze this chili?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Is this chili spicy?

It’s mild and family-friendly. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots all work well here.

Serving Ideas

This chili is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to dress it up:

Serve with crusty bread or cornbread
Top with avocado slices and fresh herbs
Add a squeeze of lime for brightness
Sprinkle with vegan cheese or dairy cheese if that’s your thing

No rules—just comfort.

Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili topped with avocado, yogurt, and fresh cilantro in a white bowl — Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili served hot with creamy avocado and fresh herbs for the ultimate cozy comfort meal.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Serving size: 2 cups
Calories: 407
Protein: 22g
Fiber: 9g
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 78g

Hearty, filling, and nourishing—without feeling heavy.

Ready to Cozy Up?

This Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of your routine. It’s dependable, comforting, and always there when life feels a little too busy. Let your slow cooker do the work, fill your bowl generously, and enjoy a meal that feels like home—one cozy spoonful at a time.

More Cozy Ideas to Try Next

If you loved how comforting and hands-off this Slow Cooker Lentil Sweet Potato Chili turned out, here are a few more cozy, feel-good recipes that fit right into the same easygoing, nourishing vibe. These are perfect for mixing and matching through the week when you want meals that feel warm, satisfying, and low-stress:

When you’re craving another hearty, bean-based bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Rustic Tuscan Bean Soup with Fresh Herbs is a wonderful next stop.
If lentils are your love language, this slow-simmered Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker brings deep, cozy flavor that’s perfect for relaxed nights at home.
For something a little lighter to balance out chili night, this fresh and protein-packed Italian Chickpea Salad makes an easy side or grab-and-go lunch.
And if you’re in the mood to explore a different spin on this same comforting combo, this flavorful Lentil Sweet Potato Chili is a fun and tasty variation worth trying.

Think of these as easy ideas to keep your menu feeling cozy, flexible, and delicious—because once you’re in the slow-cooker groove, it’s hard to stop.