One Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew: Cozy Comfort with a Kick

There’s nothing like a big pot of bubbling stew to make your kitchen smell amazing and your day feel complete. This One-Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew is comfort food at its best—hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Tender pork tenderloin and sweet potatoes come together with smoky spices, black beans, and just the right touch of heat. The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and slow, cozy weekends.

Why This One-Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew Will Be Your New Favorite Comfort Meal

One Pot = Less Mess
Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and all the flavor concentrated in one place.

Fast but Flavorful
Unlike traditional stews that simmer for hours, this one gets deep, rich taste in just 20 minutes thanks to the combination of spices and quick-searing pork.

Balanced & Hearty
Protein-rich pork, fiber-filled sweet potatoes, and black beans make it filling and wholesome without feeling heavy.

Customizable Heat Level
Love spice? Add more chili or crushed red pepper. Prefer mild? Tone it down and let the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine.

Meal-Prep Friendly
It’s even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully for future cozy nights.

Gather These Ingredients for Your One Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew

Here’s what makes this stew hearty, spicy, and delicious:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil — For sautéing and creating a flavorful base.
• 1 medium red onion, diced — Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
• 2 celery stalks, diced — Brings a mild, savory crunch to balance the sweetness.
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced — The flavor backbone that ties everything together.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste — Essential for building balanced seasoning.
• 1¼ pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes — Tender, lean protein that stays juicy and flavorful.
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (1-inch pieces) — Naturally sweet and creamy once cooked.
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed — Adds protein, fiber, and a hearty texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin — Warm and earthy, it deepens the flavor.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder — Adds subtle spice and smoky notes.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning — A flavorful blend that balances the heat.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes — Brings a gentle burn; adjust to your liking.
• 2 bay leaves — Infuse slow-cooked, aromatic flavor.
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes — Adds body and tang to the stew base.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock — Keeps everything rich and brothy without being too salty.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided) — Brightens up the final dish with a burst of color and freshness.

Easy Steps to Perfect One Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly golden. This is your flavor foundation—take the time to let the aromatics develop depth.

2. Brown the Pork

Add the pork cubes and sweet potatoes to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the pork starts to brown. You don’t need to fully cook it yet—this quick sear locks in juices and builds flavor.

3. Add Spices & Beans

Stir in the black beans, cumin, chili powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. That moment when the spices bloom is where all the magic starts.

4. Simmer the Stew

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 13–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pork should be tender, and the sweet potatoes fork-soft but not mushy.

5. Finish & Serve

Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves. Stir in 3 tablespoons of parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with the remaining parsley, and serve hot.

Helpful Cooking Tips for One Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew

Cut sweet potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate.

Use fresh pork tenderloin: It stays tender even with quick cooking.

Layer your salt: Add small pinches at each stage for balanced seasoning.

Adjust spice levels: Add more chili powder or red pepper for extra kick—or omit for a milder stew.

Deglaze the pot: If you notice brown bits on the bottom, splash in a tablespoon of stock or water and scrape—it’s concentrated flavor!

Recommended Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven — Retains heat evenly for proper simmering.

Wooden spoon or spatula — Gentle on your pot and great for stirring.

Cutting board and sharp knife — For prepping the pork and veggies with ease.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew

There are so many cozy ways to enjoy this stew:

With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth.

Over Rice or Quinoa: Adds extra heartiness and makes it a complete meal.

With a Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cools the spice and adds creaminess.

With Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of citrus at the end brightens everything up.

Alongside a Simple Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty stew.

Perfect Pairings for One-Pot Spicy Pork and Sweet Potato Stew

Perfect pairings from your Cooking Day recipe collection to serve with your One Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew, focusing on balanced richness, subtle sweetness, and contrasting textures:

Potato Cauliflower Soup – Creamy, Cozy & Comfort in a Bowl!

A mild, creamy soup that works as a soft, warm starter before the spicy stew — or even as a side to tone down the heat.

Easy Baked Orange Chicken – Sweet, Tangy & Better Than Restaurant

The citrusy sweetness of the chicken contrasts beautifully with the smoky heat of the stew, creating a flavorful surf-and-turf-style pairing.

Easy Butter Crack Cookies – New Favorite Lazy Day Treat

Buttery, crisp, and lightly sweet — these cookies offer a simple, satisfying finish without overwhelming the palate after a bold main dish.

This trio brings a warm, comforting, and flavor-balanced flow to your meal — mellow and creamy, bold and tangy, then sweet and crisp.

Diet-Friendly Options

Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free as written—just confirm your stock and spices are certified GF.

Low-Carb: Skip the sweet potatoes and double the pork and beans for a lower-carb version.

Dairy-Free: This recipe is fully dairy-free!

Vegan Adaptation: Substitute pork with chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable stock.

Best Ways to Store

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get deeper and more delicious overnight.

Freeze: Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of stock or water if needed.

Recipe Variations

Southwestern Twist: Add a can of diced green chilies or corn for a Tex-Mex flair.

Smoky BBQ Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of BBQ sauce.

Protein Swap: Use chicken breast, turkey, or even ground pork if you don’t have tenderloin.

Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale just before serving for extra nutrients.

Creamy Version: Add a splash of coconut milk or cream for a rich, velvety broth.

This One Pot Spicy Pork Sweet Potato Stew is everything you want in a comforting meal—simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any season. The blend of tender pork, creamy sweet potatoes, and warm spices makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or cozying up for a night in, this stew is your answer to delicious, hearty comfort in under 30 minutes.

5 Common Questions About One-Pot Spicy Pork and Sweet Potato Stew — Answered