Spicy Sweet Potato & Black Bean Stew – Easy Crockpot & Stovetop Recipe

Spicy-Sweet-Potato-Black-Bean-Stew-Easy-Crockpot-Recipe-Diabetes-Friendly

📌 A healthy, diabetes-friendly one-pot meal packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep.

Hearty, Healthy, and Perfect for a Crockpot

This spicy sweet potato and black bean stew is packed with bold flavors, loaded with fiber-rich black beans, and naturally diabetes-friendly. The sweetness of the potatoes balances beautifully with the warm spices and tangy tomatoes, making it a deeply satisfying, easy-to-make meal—whether you slow cook it in a crockpot or make it quickly on the stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Diabetes-Friendly – No sugar spikes here! Sweet potatoes provide slow-releasing carbs, while black beans offer plant-based protein and fiber.

✔ One-Pot Wonder – Minimal effort, maximum flavor.

✔ Crockpot Option – Hands-off cooking for ultimate ease.

✔ Packed with Flavor – A rich, smoky, and slightly spicy taste that keeps you coming back for more.

✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Great for batch cooking and leftovers.

RECIPE:

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

✔ Cook Time (Crockpot): 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH

✔ Cook Time (Stovetop): 30 minutes

✔ Total Time (Crockpot): 6-7 hours

✔ Total Time (Stovetop): 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 ribs celery, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (adds warmth)

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Crockpot Method (Slow Cooker)

1. Sauté Aromatics (optional but recommended for deeper flavor):

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

2. Load the Crockpot:

Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, sautéed aromatics, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Stir well.

3. Cook Low & Slow:

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld beautifully.

4. Taste & Adjust:

Stir well, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Stovetop Method (Quick Version)

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with olive oil.

2. Sauté onions, celery, and garlic until softened (about 4 minutes).

3. Add spices and cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.

4. Simmer: Add sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy it as a hearty bowl on its own.

• Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa for extra fiber.

• Pair with a side of avocado slices or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

• Use as a filling for tacos with a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portions. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

• This simple yet flavorful dish is proof that healthy food can be delicious, nourishing, and incredibly easy to make. Enjoy!

#DiabetesFriendly #HealthyEating #EasyRecipes #CrockpotMeals #VegetarianStew