Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet Easy Tex Mex Dinner
Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet was the very first recipe that made me realize how satisfying a vegetarian dinner can be. The sweet potatoes turned tender and golden, the black beans added creaminess, and the rice soaked up every smoky spice. The result was a comforting skillet meal that felt both hearty and vibrant. If you enjoy Authentic Mexican Recipes that are simple to recreate at home, this dish will become one of your favorites.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced sweet potato and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
- Stir in instant rice, black beans, broth, onion, corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
- Stir in fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet
Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet is more than a simple weeknight dinner. It is a Southwestern Sweet Potato Skillet filled with flavor, protein, and fiber that keeps you full without being heavy. With chili powder, cumin, and garlic, every bite is rich and zesty.
You will love that it doubles as a Sweet Potato Hash Dinner or a quick Tex Mex Sweet Potato Hash depending on how you serve it. It is a Healthy Vegetarian Dinner that works well for family meals, meal prep, or even a holiday potluck when you want something colorful and budget friendly.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes and Substitutions |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Avocado oil works too |
| Sweet potato | 1 medium peeled and diced | Cut into half inch cubes |
| Instant rice | 1 cup uncooked | White or brown instant rice |
| Black beans | 1 can 15 oz rinsed and drained | Pinto beans can be used |
| Vegetable broth | 1 ½ cups | Chicken broth if not vegetarian |
| Red onion | ½ cup chopped | Yellow onion for milder taste |
| Frozen corn | ½ cup | Fresh or canned also works |
| Fresh cilantro | ¼ cup chopped | Optional garnish |
| Chili powder | 1 tbsp | Adjust to taste |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | Adds earthy flavor |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Or one minced clove |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Add at the end |
| Optional toppings | Avocado sour cream shredded cheese hot sauce | Make it your own |
How to Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced sweet potato and cook for eight to ten minutes until tender and lightly golden.
- Stir in instant rice, black beans, broth, onion, corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for five to seven minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
This method creates a Sweet Potato Black Bean Hash style meal that tastes like a Tex Mex Sweet Potato Hash you would find in Authentic Mexican Recipes collections.
How to Serve Southwestern Sweet Potato Skillet
Southwestern Sweet Potato Skillet is flexible enough to be served in many ways. Eat it straight from the pan as a Healthy Vegetarian Dinner or scoop it into tortillas for burritos. Layer it over lettuce for a grain bowl or add a fried egg on top for a Sweet Potato Hash Dinner perfect for brunch.
Seasonal variations make it even more exciting. Add fresh salsa and lime juice in summer or shredded cheese and jalapeños in winter for cozy comfort.
How to Perfect This Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet
- Cut the potato into equal cubes so it cooks evenly.
- Toast the rice for one minute before adding broth for a nutty depth of flavor.
- Use fire roasted corn to make it taste closer to Authentic Mexican Recipes.
- Finish with lime juice and cilantro for brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using regular rice instead of instant which prevents it from cooking properly.
- Cutting potatoes too large which leaves them hard in the center.
- Forgetting broth and using only water which reduces flavor.
- Adding cilantro too early instead of stirring it in at the end.
Storage and Reheating Tips
| Storage | Method | Duration |
| Refrigerator | Airtight container | Three to four days |
| Freezer | Portion into meal prep containers | Up to two months |
| Reheating | Microwave or skillet with a splash of broth | Until heated through |
Always keep fresh toppings like avocado or sour cream separate and add them right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, as long as it is instant brown rice. Cooking time may need a few extra minutes.
Is this Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet vegan?
Yes, just skip dairy toppings like cheese or sour cream.
Can I add more protein?
Yes, stir in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or tofu after the rice is done.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Absolutely. Divide into containers and refrigerate or freeze for easy reheating.
Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potato black beans balance the spices with natural sweetness.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet is the kind of one pan recipe that makes weeknight cooking joyful. Whether you prepare it as a Southwestern Sweet Potato Skillet, a Sweet Potato Black Bean Hash, or even a Tex Mex Sweet Potato Hash, you will enjoy a Healthy Vegetarian Dinner that tastes like it belongs among Authentic Mexican Recipes. Save this recipe to enjoy again and again whenever you crave bold flavor and wholesome comfort.
