Instant Pot Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili

I make this Instant Pot (affiliate link) black bean and sweet potato chili when I want something hearty and comforting without spending much time in the kitchen. It’s one of those meals that feels satisfying right away and somehow even better the next day.

I love how the sweet potatoes add body and natural sweetness, while the black beans and spices make it filling enough that no one misses the meat. The Instant Pot (affiliate link) does all the heavy lifting, which makes this an easy choice for Meatless Mondays, simple meal prep, or a low-effort dinner at the end of a long day.

It’s the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something dependable — warm, flavorful, and quietly nourishing.

Why I Love this Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili

• Hearty and satisfying without meat
• Naturally high in fiber and plant-based protein
• Very low in WW Points
• Cooks quickly in the Instant Pot
• Even better the next day

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Olive oil – Just enough to sauté the vegetables.
• Onion – Adds a savory base.
• Garlic – Brings a little warmth and depth.
• Canned diced tomatoes – Use with their juices for body and flavor.
• Canned black beans – Rinsed and drained. Pinto or white beans also work well.
• Red bell pepper – Adds color and subtle sweetness.
• Sweet potato – Provides natural sweetness and makes the chili hearty.
• Chili powder – Adjust to taste or experiment with different varieties.
• Ground cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness.
• Salt – Season to taste.
• Frozen corn kernels – Stirred in at the end for sweetness and texture. Canned or fresh corn would also work.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each generous serving has about :

• Calories: 208
• WW Points: 1 To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• Old WW Points: 5 PointsPlus

How to Make Instant Pot Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients and equipment.

Step 2: Add the oil to the Instant Pot and press Saute button. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until the onion has softened, 3 to 4 to minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the tomatoes (with juice), black beans, bell pepper, sweet potato, chili powder, cumin and salt until thoroughly mixed.

Step 4: Lock the lid in place and move the Steam Release handle to Sealing position. Press Manual (High Pressure) and set timer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: After cooking finishes, let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. If pressure valve hasn’t completely dropped (all pressure released), move the Steam Release handle to Venting position to release any remaining pressure, being careful to not get burned.

Step 6: Remove the lid and stir in the corn kernels.

Step 7: Divide the chili evenly among four bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.

Step 8: Store any remaining chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

• Swap black beans for pinto or white beans if you prefer.
• Try different chili powders, such as ancho or chipotle, to change the flavor profile.
• For a thicker chili, mash a small portion of the sweet potatoes and beans before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with toppings like:

• Chopped cilantro
• Jalapeño slices
• Reduced-fat shredded cheese
• Lite sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Salsa, guacamole, or crushed tortilla chips

This chili is hearty enough on its own, but it also pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad.

Ways to Use Leftover Chili

• Use it as a topping for nachos or to fill a burrito.
• Spoon it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
• Stir in cooked, chopped chicken breast for extra protein
• Serve warmed leftovers with tortillas and scrambled eggs for a fun, chili-style huevos rancheros

If you’ve made this Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe source: Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook (affiliate link) 100 great recipes with fewer calories and less fat!

More WW-Friendly Recipes

If you like this Vegetarian Instant Pot Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili, you may also like

• Instant Taco Casserole – Simple and satisfying comfort food.
• Simple 2-Ingredient Chili Verde – Minimal ingredients, big flavor.
• How to Cook Instant Pot Pinto Beans – No Soaking Required – Great for meal prep.
• Instant Pot Turkey Taco Soup – A hearty, protein-packed option.