Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Stew
Highlighted under: Simple Cooking
I love coming home to a warm, hearty dish that has been simmering all day. This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Stew is my go-to recipe for busy evenings when I want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness, while the white beans provide a creamy texture. I've found that letting the ingredients meld together in the crockpot enhances the flavors beautifully, making this stew a comforting and fulfilling meal that my whole family enjoys.
As I experimented with various combinations of vegetables, I found that sweet potatoes and white beans work together deliciously. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes combined with the creaminess of the beans creates a wonderful balance that almost feels indulgent. I also love adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that extra layer of flavor, which elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Serving this stew with a slice of crusty bread not only makes it a complete meal but also takes your dining experience to the next level. It's surprising how something so simple can become a comforting favorite, and the best part is that it stores well, so leftovers taste even better the next day!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and filling for a satisfying meal
- Convenient slow-cooked flavors that develop over time
- Perfect for busy days or meal prepping
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
One of the key benefits of using a crockpot for this stew is the way it allows flavors to develop slowly over time. Simmering for several hours creates a depth in flavor that you simply can't achieve with quick cooking methods. The sweet potatoes become meltingly tender, infusing the broth with their natural sweetness, while the spices like smoked paprika and cumin blend seamlessly, resulting in a warming, aromatic dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Slow cooking also means less hands-on time for you. Once you layer in your ingredients and set the timer, there's no need to hover over the stove. This dish is ideal for those busy days when you want to prepare a meal in advance, allowing it to cook while you go about your day. Just make sure to give yourself time to let it simmer to pair the flavors perfectly.
Ingredient Spotlight: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not only the star of the show in this stew, but they also bring significant nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins A and C. Their inherent sweetness balances beautifully with the savory components, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Choosing sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin will ensure your dish has maximum flavor and texture. Avoid those with blemishes or soft spots, as they can lead to a mushy stew.
If you're interested in playful flavor variations, consider roasting the sweet potatoes beforehand. This process caramelizes their sugars and enhances their natural sweetness, which can further enrich the final stew. Just be mindful to adjust your cooking times as roasted sweet potatoes will cook faster in the crockpot.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious stew.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
Mix all ingredients thoroughly before cooking!
Directions
Follow these steps to create the perfect stew.
Prepare Ingredients
In your crockpot, combine the diced sweet potatoes, white beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth.
Season
Add the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Finish with Spinach
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach until wilted.
Serve
Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.
Let the flavors meld for the best taste!
Pro Tips
- If you want to make this stew heartier, feel free to add in some additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You can also spice it up with a dash of chili powder for a kick.
Storing and Reheating
This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container, making it perfect for meal prep. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, which should take about 5-10 minutes. If you find the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, adding a splash of vegetable broth will help return it to the desired consistency.
For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stovetop. This ensures that the flavors remain vibrant and the texture is preserved during freezing.
Variations to Try
This recipe is quite versatile; here are a few variations to consider. For added protein, you can toss in some cooked quinoa or lentils, which pair well with the earthy flavors of the stew. If you prefer a spicier kick, adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper just before serving can elevate the heat level to your liking.
You can also switch out the white beans for chickpeas or black beans for a different texture and flavor profile. Furthermore, for those looking to enhance the green component, feel free to substitute the spinach with kale, which holds up well in long cooking times and adds a robust flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this stew vegan?
Yes! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it vegan-friendly.
→ How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers will last for 4-5 days.
→ Can I freeze this stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
→ What can I serve with the stew?
It pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even over cooked grains like quinoa or rice.
Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Stew
I love coming home to a warm, hearty dish that has been simmering all day. This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato White Bean Stew is my go-to recipe for busy evenings when I want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness, while the white beans provide a creamy texture. I've found that letting the ingredients meld together in the crockpot enhances the flavors beautifully, making this stew a comforting and fulfilling meal that my whole family enjoys.
Created by: Willow Harries
Recipe Type: Simple Cooking
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
How-To Steps
In your crockpot, combine the diced sweet potatoes, white beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth.
Add the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach until wilted.
Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.
Extra Tips
- If you want to make this stew heartier, feel free to add in some additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You can also spice it up with a dash of chili powder for a kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 10g