Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dishes: the Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet! It’s a cozy, hearty meal that warms my soul and fills my belly. I absolutely love how versatile it is; you can whip it up in no time, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without the fuss. Plus, it’s vegan, which is a bonus for anyone looking to eat a little healthier! I often make a big batch for meal prep, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge, ready for lunches or quick dinners. Trust me, once you try this colorful, flavor-packed dish, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet. It’s all about fresh flavors and wholesome goodness!

2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium
1 tablespoon olive oil for that perfect sizzle
1 red bell pepper, diced for a pop of color
1 onion, chopped to add sweetness
2 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic flavor
1 teaspoon cumin to bring warmth
1 teaspoon chili powder for a little kick
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish—don’t skip this!

How to Prepare Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet

Making the Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking!
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
Next, toss in the diced sweet potatoes and red bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. You can cover the skillet for a few minutes to help them cook faster, just keep an eye on them!
Once the veggies are tender, it’s time to add in the black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all those wonderful flavors.
Cook everything together for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it’s heated through and everything is well mixed.
When it’s done, remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve it up warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:

Hearty and filling—perfect for any appetite!
Nutritious ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and health benefits.
Quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.
One-pan wonder—easy clean-up, making your post-dinner routine a breeze.
Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for leftovers.
Vegan and gluten-free, accommodating a variety of dietary needs.

Tips for Success

To really nail your Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to dice your sweet potatoes evenly; this helps them cook at the same rate, preventing some from being too mushy while others are still hard. If you want to add extra flavor, try roasting the sweet potatoes in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices! If you like it spicier, toss in some cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños. And remember, fresh cilantro at the end isn’t just a garnish—it brightens everything up! Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet (about 1 cup):

Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg

Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!

FAQ Section

Got questions about the Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

Can I use other beans?
Absolutely! While black beans are my go-to, you can easily swap them for pinto or kidney beans if you prefer. They’ll still taste fantastic!

Can I make it spicy?
For sure! If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you mix in the spices. It’s all about your taste!

How do I store leftovers?
Simply keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay good for about 2 months. Just thaw and heat when you’re ready to enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet, the options are delightful! I love pairing it with fluffy rice—brown or white, it’s all good. You can also serve it inside warm tortillas for a tasty wrap, adding a bit of avocado for creaminess. Want to make it even heartier? Try it alongside a fresh green salad or some sautéed greens like spinach or kale. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a lovely contrast. Enjoy experimenting with these combos!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Just remember to cover it to prevent splatters! This dish tastes just as delicious the second time around, so don’t hesitate to enjoy those leftovers!

For more delicious recipes, check out our full recipe collection!

For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, you can visit Healthline.

To explore more about black beans and their nutritional value, check out Healthline.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet: 5 Reasons to Adore It

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and nutritious dish featuring sweet potatoes and black beans cooked in a skillet.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Add sweet potatoes and bell pepper, cook until tender.
Stir in black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Notes

This dish is great for meal prep.
Can be served with rice or tortillas.
Adjust spices according to your taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet

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