Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is a hearty one-pan vegetarian dinner packed with Southwestern flavors. Tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, savory enchilada sauce, and melted cheese come together in under an hour for a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.Easy to customize and ideal for meal prep, this healthy skillet dinner delivers comfort food flavor with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15-ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10-ounce) red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup frozen or canned corn optional
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- 1 avocado sliced (optional, for serving)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by washing, peeling, and dicing the sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Having all ingredients prepped before cooking ensures a smooth and efficient process.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the sweet potatoes and onions, cooking until they begin to soften and develop a light golden color.
- This step is important because properly cooked sweet potatoes create the ideal texture for the dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Beans, and Seasonings
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the black beans along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the spices to toast slightly, which helps deepen their flavor and distribute them evenly throughout the skillet.
Step 4: Stir in the Enchilada Sauce
- Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet and stir until everything is coated. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer.
- As the sauce cooks, the sweet potatoes absorb the flavors and become even more tender.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the top of the skillet.
- At this point, you can either cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt on the stovetop or place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Finish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
- Fresh garnishes add brightness and contrast to the rich flavors of the enchilada skillet.