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Slow Cooker Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili

Name: Slow Cooker Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 420 min
Total time: 435 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained; 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime), for finishing; Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

By PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 1, 2026 | Updated May 12, 2026

American-Inspired 435 mins slowcookeronepotglutenfreedairyfreeeasybudget-friendlycomfortfoodmealprephearty

Slow Cooker Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili with measured ingredients, 435-minute timing, 6-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for one-pot, one-pan, skillet, casserole, and sheet-pan recipes.

Prep 15 min

Cook 420 min

Total 435 min

Servings 6

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 6

1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime), for finishing
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Vegan Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili

Instructions

In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed lentils, diced sweet potatoes, sautéed onion, garlic, and bell pepper mixture, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened.
About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired. This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.