Hearty Sweet Potato and Black Bean Skillet: Your Go-To for a Quick, Flavorful, and Plant-Based Meal

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s also easy on the wallet? Look no further than this fantastic Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet! Crafted by Julia Pacheco, this one-pan wonder is bursting with flavor, fiber, and plant-based goodness, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight or your next Meatless Monday.

This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a vibrant and filling dish in just 20 minutes. It’s proof that nutritious eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, or simply craving a delicious and hearty skillet, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet

This sweet potato black bean skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal full of flavor, fiber, and plant-based goodness—perfect for Meatless Monday. Enjoy a wholesome dish that’s quick to prepare and incredibly versatile.

• By: Julia Pacheco
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Servings: 6 servings
• Rating: 5 stars from 2 votes

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Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your wholesome and delicious sweet potato black bean skillet. Adjust serving sizes as needed to feed a crowd or enjoy as a smaller meal.

• 2 cups cooked brown OR white rice (for serving)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (for seasoning sweet potatoes)
• 1 tsp pepper (for seasoning sweet potatoes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 oz can black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess water (optional, but highly recommended for an extra nutrient boost)
• 1 tsp salt (for the main skillet seasoning)
• 1 tsp pepper (for the main skillet seasoning)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your flavorful sweet potato black bean skillet in no time!

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced sweet potato, along with the first teaspoon of salt and the first teaspoon of pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes begin to soften but still have a slight bite. They will continue to cook with the other ingredients.
2. Combine Remaining Ingredients: To the skillet with the sweet potatoes, add the minced garlic, drained and rinsed black beans, thawed and squeezed frozen spinach, the second teaspoon of salt, the second teaspoon of pepper, chili powder, and dried oregano. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Simmer and Serve: Allow the mixture to cook together for another 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sweet potatoes to become fully tender. Once heated through and the flavors have blended, remove from heat. Serve immediately over 2 cups of your preferred cooked brown or white rice. Enjoy your hearty, plant-based meal!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Per Serving (Approx. 1/6th of recipe):

• Calories: 203 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 1094mg
• Potassium: 510mg
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 8504 IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 88mg
• Iron: 3mg

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• Effortlessly Quick: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, you can have a wholesome, home-cooked meal on the table in under half an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
• One-Pan Convenience: Who loves doing dishes? Nobody! This recipe minimizes cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet. Less time scrubbing means more time enjoying your delicious creation.
• Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, and fiber. Black beans deliver a substantial punch of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health. Spinach adds iron and a host of other essential vitamins, often without you even noticing it’s there!
• Explosion of Flavor: A thoughtful blend of chili powder, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper creates a savory, slightly smoky, and deeply comforting flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with staple pantry ingredients like sweet potatoes, black beans, and rice, this skillet is incredibly economical. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to eat well without breaking the bank.
• Plant-Based Perfection: Naturally vegan and vegetarian, this meal is fantastic for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the most committed carnivores.
• Versatile & Customizable: This skillet serves as an excellent base for various additions and adaptations. Want more veggies? Add bell peppers or corn. Craving a different grain? Quinoa or farro work wonderfully.

Tips for Success & Creative Variations

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your cooking experience, and don’t be afraid to get creative with variations!

Cooking Tips:

• Even Dicing: Ensure your sweet potatoes are diced into roughly ½-inch cubes of similar size. This promotes even cooking, so all pieces soften at the same rate.
• Pan Size Matters: Use a large skillet (at least 10-12 inches) to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can steam the vegetables instead of sautéing them, affecting texture.
• Don’t Skimp on Spices: The spice blend is key to the delicious flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your personal preference, adding a pinch more if you like a bolder taste.
• Thaw & Squeeze Spinach: If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and that you’ve squeezed out as much excess water as possible. This prevents the skillet from becoming watery.

Exciting Variations:

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers (any color), corn (fresh or frozen), or diced onions for added sweetness and texture. Add them with the sweet potatoes.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) along with the other spices. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works wonders.
• Cheesy Goodness (if not strictly vegan): A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt, can add a creamy, savory layer.
• Smoky Flavor: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke can enhance the depth of flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for a bright, herbaceous finish.
• Protein Boost: For non-vegans, cooked ground turkey or chicken could be added with the black beans. For a vegan protein boost, crumble in some firm tofu or tempeh and sauté it before adding the sweet potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

While serving over rice is a classic choice, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Taco or Burrito Filling: Spoon the skillet mixture into warm tortillas or make hearty burritos. Top with your favorite salsa, avocado, or a dollop of dairy-free sour cream.
• Grain Bowl: Serve over quinoa, farro, or even couscous for a different texture and nutritional profile. Add extra fresh greens for a complete bowl.
• Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Bake whole sweet potatoes until tender, then split them open and fill with the skillet mixture for an impressive and delicious meal.
• Side Dish: This skillet can also function as a flavorful and substantial side dish alongside grilled protein or a large salad.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the mixture in crisp lettuce cups.

Storage and Reheating

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping!

• Storage: Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if needed to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Once completely cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE budget meal plan for more delicious and affordable recipes!

Explore more culinary delights in Julia Pacheco’s Cookbook. 🌼