This Chipotle Pork and Sweet Potato Stew is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines tender pork with naturally sweet, fiber-rich sweet potatoes.
High in protein and low in saturated fat, it’s ideal for balanced everyday meals.
Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep, it’s perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly cooking without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Chipotle Pork and Sweet Potato Stew
Equipment
- 1 blender
- 1 Pressure cooker or Instant Pot
- 1 Medium Skillet (optional)
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Zip-Top Freezer Bag or Container (if freezing)
Ingredients
- 1 large white onion peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 14-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo plus 2 tsp sauce
- 1½ lb pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 1 small handful cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 –2 limes for juice and serving
- Pickled jalapeños optional, for serving
- Avocado slices optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatic Vegetables: Start by prepping your vegetables. Peel and quarter the large white onion, then peel the garlic cloves. If you prefer a slightly milder garlic flavor, you can slice the cloves instead of leaving them whole. Having your vegetables ready ensures the flavors infuse evenly in the stew and speeds up cooking.
- Blend the Flavor Base: Place the prepared onion and garlic into a blender. Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and sea salt. Next, pour in the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with the chipotle pepper and two teaspoons of adobo sauce. Blend everything on high until you achieve a mostly smooth, vibrant sauce. This forms a smoky, spicy base that will coat the pork and sweet potatoes perfectly.
- Optional Sauté for Extra Depth: For added flavor, you can sauté the aromatics before blending. Heat one teaspoon of avocado or olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the quartered onion and cook until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then transfer the sautéed mixture into the blender with the tomatoes, chipotle, and adobo sauce. Blend until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients for Cooking: If cooking immediately, pour the blended sauce into the insert of your pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Add the cubed pork tenderloin and diced sweet potato, gently stirring to ensure everything is evenly coated. If freezing for later, combine the sauce, pork, and sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. Label with the date, then store in the freezer. When ready to cook, simply transfer frozen contents directly to the pressure cooker—no need to thaw.
- Pressure Cook the Stew: Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to “sealing.” Set the cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes. This brief but intense cooking will tenderize the pork and cook the sweet potatoes to a perfect consistency without turning them mushy.
- Release Pressure Safely: Once the 8-minute cook time is complete, turn off the cooker. Using a thick kitchen towel to protect your hand and keeping your face away from the valve, carefully turn the valve to “venting” to release the pressure naturally. This step prevents any sudden steam bursts and keeps the stew intact.
- Add Fresh Finishing Touches: Open the pressure cooker and stir in a small handful of roughly chopped fresh cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime directly into the stew, tasting to see if you want more brightness. These fresh ingredients enhance the flavor profile, balancing the smoky heat with herbal and citrus notes.
- Serve with Optional Toppings: Ladle the stew into bowls and offer optional toppings such as sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and additional lime wedges. These not only add texture and color but also elevate the flavors with creamy, tangy, and spicy contrasts.
- Storage and Meal Prep: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes the stew excellent for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
- Tips for Perfect Results: Ensure pork pieces are roughly uniform in size to cook evenly.Don’t over-blend the sauce; a few small chunks of onion or tomato add texture.Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle depending on your heat preference.Sautéing the aromatics is optional but adds a deeper, roasted flavor.
Notes
- This stew is versatile: you can cook it immediately or freeze it for later without affecting flavor or texture.
- Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, fiber, and nutrients, balancing the smoky, spicy chipotle flavor.
- Pork tenderloin cooks quickly under pressure and remains juicy; avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- For a deeper flavor, sautéing the onion and garlic before blending is optional but recommended.
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free and high in protein, making it ideal for balanced, healthy meals.
Chef’s Secrets To Elevate Flavor
The key to making this stew extraordinary lies in building layers of flavor.
Start with fresh aromatics: sautéing the onion and garlic intensifies their sweetness and adds a caramelized depth.
Don’t skip the spice trio of smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander—they create a smoky, earthy base that complements the chipotle.
Blending the sauce to a mostly smooth consistency ensures every bite is rich and cohesive.
For an extra touch, adding fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end brightens the dish and balances the smoky heat.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This hearty stew is perfect on its own or served over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Pair it with warm tortillas or a crisp green salad for added texture.
Garnish with sliced avocado for creaminess and pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick.
A lime wedge on the side allows each diner to adjust the citrusy brightness to taste, creating a customizable, crowd-pleasing presentation.
Storage Tips For Long-Lasting Freshness
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For meal prep or longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to three months.
When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave to preserve the tender texture of the pork and prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy.
Always stir before serving to evenly distribute the sauce and fresh flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
The pork will become very tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully, though the sweet potatoes may break down slightly more than in a pressure cooker.
2. Can I use other types of pork?
Absolutely! Pork shoulder or loin can substitute for tenderloin, though cooking times may vary.
Pork shoulder offers more fat, which adds richness, while loin is leaner but still tender when cooked properly.
3. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by using less chipotle or omitting the adobo sauce. For extra spice, add more chipotle or a pinch of cayenne.
Tasting the sauce before cooking helps you balance the smoky heat to your preference.
4. Can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan?
You can replace pork with plant-based protein like firm tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking tofu, and the smoky, spicy sauce will still provide a rich, satisfying flavor.
5. Can this stew be made ahead for meal prep?
Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep! Prepare the sauce, pork, and sweet potatoes, then freeze in portions.
When ready to eat, simply cook from frozen in the pressure cooker. This saves time and ensures you always have a flavorful, nutritious meal ready.
