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Southwest Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet

Southwest Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet

A vibrant and healthy Southwest Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet packed with colorful veggies, hearty black beans, and seasoned sweet potatoes. This quick and nourishing one-pan meal is bursting with bold southwestern flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, delivering a zesty and comforting taste in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into even cubes for consistent cooking. Chop the bell peppers and onion, finely mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Then add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until fragrant and the vegetables are tender, about 5 more minutes.
  3. Season and Add Beans: Sprinkle in the southwest seasoning blend—cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano—stirring to coat the veggies evenly. Add the black beans, mix well, and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Finish with Freshness: Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Optionally, top with shredded cheese or diced avocado for added creaminess and flavor.

Notes

  • Pre-cook sweet potatoes by microwaving or boiling for a few minutes to speed up skillet cooking time.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to help veggies cook evenly without burning.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure good caramelization.
  • For deeper flavor, layer the spices by adding half early and the rest near the end of cooking.
  • Always add fresh lime juice at the end to brighten and balance smoky and sweet elements.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest, sweet potato, black bean, skillet, vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, meal prep, one pan, healthy dinner, quick recipe