Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

The Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a savory and hearty dish that combines the vibrant flavors of black beans, sweet potatoes, and a variety of delicious spices, all cooked together in one skillet for an easy, flavorful meal. This skillet dish is perfect for anyone craving a quick, healthy, and satisfying taco-inspired dinner. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients, it’s not only a great choice for vegetarians and vegans, but it’s also a wholesome option for those who enjoy a balanced, nutritious meal. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a must-try!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Taco Tuesday
• Vegetarians and vegans
• Health-conscious eaters

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why the Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet will become your new favorite dinner:

• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with black beans, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables, this dish is loaded with essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and vitamins.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this skillet meal is a fast and flavorful option for any night of the week.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: With the perfect blend of spices, sautéed veggies, and hearty ingredients, this skillet dish offers a burst of savory flavors in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or extra ingredients, such as avocado, salsa, or cheese, to make the dish even more delicious and tailored to your tastes.
• Halal and Family-Friendly: This recipe contains no pork, bacon, or alcohol, making it a family-friendly meal that’s also suitable for those following a halal diet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional for color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional; use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version)
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
• Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Sweet Potatoes: These provide a naturally sweet, hearty base for the dish and are high in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
• Black Beans: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, black beans are a great plant-based protein source for this meal.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, and Paprika: These spices add a warm, smoky flavor to the skillet, making it taste like a taco filling in one bowl.
• Corn: Adding a sweet and crunchy element to the dish, corn perfectly complements the savory flavors and adds texture to the meal.
• Cilantro and Lime: These fresh ingredients brighten up the dish and provide a zesty contrast to the earthy flavors of the sweet potatoes and beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up, but don’t let it smoke.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. If the sweet potatoes start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet to help them cook through.

Sauté the Veggies:

3. Add the Onion and Garlic: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them into the sweet potatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add the Bell Pepper: Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the pepper softens and the veggies are nicely combined.

Add the Black Beans and Spices:

5. Add the Black Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn, allowing them to heat through for about 2 minutes. The black beans will absorb the spices and become more flavorful during this time.
6. Season the Skillet: Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are coated in the spices. Let the skillet cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Finish and Serve:

7. Add Lime and Cilantro: Once the skillet ingredients are fully cooked and the flavors are melded, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This will add a fresh, zesty flavor to the dish.
8. Top with Optional Ingredients: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top (or vegan cheese for a dairy-free version), and let it melt into the hot skillet. You can also top the dish with avocado slices, salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor and texture.
9. Serve: Serve the Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or just enjoy it straight from the skillet. It’s perfect for a quick meal or for serving to a group.

How to Serve Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

The Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet can be served in a variety of ways to suit your taste:

• With Tortillas or Chips: Serve the skillet filling in warm tortillas for a taco-style meal, or pair it with crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
• Top with Guacamole or Salsa: For extra creaminess and flavor, top the skillet with homemade guacamole or your favorite salsa.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the mixture over a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal.
• As a Salad: You can also serve the Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet as a salad by spooning the mixture over a bed of fresh greens, topped with avocado and your favorite taco toppings.

Additional Tips for Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

Here are a few tips to make this dish even more delicious:

• Cook Sweet Potatoes in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to cook the sweet potatoes in batches so they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the skillet.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier dish, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the skillet along with the spices.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Corn: Both fresh and frozen corn work well in this dish. If you’re using frozen corn, be sure to thaw it before adding it to the skillet.
• Customize with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or even a dollop of sour cream (or dairy-free alternatives) to make this skillet even more satisfying.

Recipe Variations of Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

Here are 10 variations of the Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet that you can try:

1. Lentil and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet: Swap out the black beans for cooked lentils for a different plant-based protein source.
2. Spicy Tempeh Skillet: Add crumbled tempeh to the skillet for extra texture and a spicy kick.
3. Zucchini and Black Bean Skillet: Add diced zucchini along with the sweet potatoes for an extra vegetable-packed skillet.
4. Mexican Cauliflower Rice Skillet: Serve the taco skillet mixture over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
5. Quinoa and Sweet Potato Skillet: Add cooked quinoa to the skillet to turn it into a protein-packed, filling meal.
6. Avocado and Mango Skillet: Top the skillet with diced mango and avocado for a sweet and savory flavor contrast.
7. Crispy Tofu Taco Skillet: Add crispy cubes of tofu to the skillet for a plant-based protein boost.
8. Corn and Bean Taco Skillet: Double up on the beans by adding kidney beans or pinto beans for extra texture and flavor.
9. Grilled Chicken Taco Skillet: For a non-vegetarian version, add grilled chicken breast slices for an added protein source.
10. Chipotle Sweet Potato Skillet: Add a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.

Freezing and Storage for Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

• Freezing: You can freeze the Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

Special Equipment for Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

Here are some kitchen tools that will make preparing this dish even easier:

• Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: A large skillet provides ample space to sauté the sweet potatoes and other vegetables. A cast-iron skillet works especially well for even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is perfect for stirring the skillet ingredients without damaging your pan.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for dicing the sweet potatoes and other vegetables with ease.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements of spices will ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your skillet dish.
• Lime Juicer: A lime juicer can help you extract the maximum amount of juice from the lime without the seeds.

FAQ Section about Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

1. Can I use sweet potato cubes instead of diced sweet potatoes?
   Yes, both diced and cubed sweet potatoes work well in this recipe. Just make sure they are cut into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the skillet up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
   While sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor, you can substitute regular potatoes in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as regular potatoes may cook a little faster.
4. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Yes! If you prefer more heat, add some chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.
5. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
   Canned sweet potatoes are fine to use in a pinch, but fresh sweet potatoes will give the dish a better texture and flavor.

Print

Conclusion

The Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. With its blend of spices, hearty ingredients, and customizable toppings, it’s a meal everyone in the family will love. Plus, it’s halal-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a regular in your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy!