Southwestern Sweet Potato Hash Brown & Black Bean Breakfast Bowls

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, the Southwestern Sweet Potato Hash Brown & Black Bean Breakfast Bowl is the perfect dish to start your morning off right. This satisfying bowl brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, the richness of black beans, and the smoky, spicy flavors of Southwestern seasoning. Topped with a medley of fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese, this bowl will not only fuel your body but also tantalize your taste buds. It’s an energizing and wholesome breakfast that’s full of vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors.

In this article, we’ll dive into why this recipe is a must-try, give you a step-by-step guide to making it, and share tips for personalizing your breakfast bowl. Whether you follow a specific dietary plan, are looking for a healthy alternative, or simply love good food, this Southwestern-inspired breakfast will become one of your go-to meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this breakfast bowl features nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado that support overall health and energy levels.
• Vibrant and Flavorful: The combination of smoky chipotle, cumin, garlic, and other Southwestern spices gives this dish a burst of rich and zesty flavor that will wake up your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this breakfast bowl can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
• Customizable: This dish is fully customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, toppings, and even protein options like eggs or grilled chicken to suit your preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: The ingredients in this breakfast bowl store well, so you can prepare them in advance for a healthy, ready-to-eat breakfast during the week.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Hash Browns:

• 2 large sweet potatoes: Peeled and grated. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and fiber to the dish, making them a hearty base.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the sweet potatoes and helping them crisp up.
• 1 small onion: Finely chopped. The onion adds depth and flavor to the hash browns.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Garlic enhances the savory taste of the dish and complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that is a key element in Southwestern cuisine.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Black Bean Layer:

• 2 cups cooked black beans: You can use canned black beans (drained and rinsed) or cook them from scratch. Black beans are rich in protein and fiber.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin: For extra earthy flavor to complement the beans.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beans.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Toppings:

• 1 ripe avocado: Sliced. The creamy avocado adds richness and balances the dish’s spiciness.
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional): Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend. This is optional but adds a nice creamy texture and flavor.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for garnish. The fresh herbs add brightness and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the other ingredients.
• Lime wedges: For squeezing on top. The acidity from the lime brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): For extra creaminess and tang.

Optional Garnishes:

• Diced tomatoes: For added freshness.
• Sliced jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
• Salsa or pico de gallo: For added flavor and texture.
• Hot sauce: For those who like a little extra heat.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS

1. Grate the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by peeling and grating the sweet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. The finer the grating, the crispier the hash browns will be when cooked.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the grated sweet potatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are golden and crispy. If needed, add a little more oil to prevent sticking.
4. Set Aside: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside in a bowl. Keep warm while you prepare the black beans.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE BLACK BEANS

1. Sauté the Black Beans: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked black beans and season them with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat Through: Stir the beans and cook for about 5 minutes, until heated through and infused with the spices. If you prefer a more mashed texture, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans.
3. Set Aside: Once the beans are fully heated and seasoned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE BREAKFAST BOWLS

1. Layer the Ingredients: To assemble the bowls, start by adding a generous portion of the sweet potato hash browns as the base of each bowl.
2. Top with Black Beans: Add a layer of the seasoned black beans on top of the sweet potatoes.
3. Add Avocado and Toppings: Place slices of avocado on top of the beans, then sprinkle the bowl with shredded cheese (if using), fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
4. Optional Garnishes: For extra flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a few slices of jalapeños for heat, or some fresh diced tomatoes for brightness.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve: Once all the bowls are assembled with your desired toppings, serve them immediately while warm. Enjoy this nutrient-packed, flavorful breakfast!

How to Serve Southwestern Sweet Potato Hash Brown & Black Bean Breakfast Bowls

These bowls are perfect for a hearty, healthy breakfast or brunch. They can also be served as a nutritious lunch or dinner option. Here are some ideas for serving:

1. As a Quick Breakfast

This meal is perfect for a busy morning when you need something quick, filling, and nourishing. With its combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, it will give you the energy you need to start your day.

2. Make it a Family Meal

This recipe can be easily scaled up to serve the whole family. Set up a “build-your-own” station with toppings like salsa, cheese, avocado, and cilantro, so everyone can customize their own bowl.

3. Pair with a Fresh Smoothie

For a complete, balanced meal, pair your breakfast bowl with a refreshing smoothie. A berry or green smoothie with spinach, banana, and almond milk would complement the flavors of the Southwestern bowl perfectly.

4. As a Meal Prep Option

Prepare the sweet potatoes and black beans ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your bowls and add fresh toppings. This makes for an easy, nutritious breakfast on the go throughout the week.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato hash and black beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them before assembling the bowls.
2. Freezing: The sweet potato hash can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it in a skillet.
3. Add Protein: If you want to add more protein to your breakfast bowl, top it with a fried or poached egg, or include some grilled chicken or turkey.
4. Vegetarian/Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting the cheese and sour cream, or by using plant-based alternatives.

Recipe Variations

While this Southwestern Sweet Potato Hash Brown & Black Bean Breakfast Bowl is delicious as is, there are many ways to personalize it:

1. Use Different Beans

Feel free to swap out the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.

2. Add More Vegetables

Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sweet potato hash for extra nutrition and variety.

3. Spice it Up

For those who enjoy heat, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the black beans or sweet potato hash.

4. Make it Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Freezing and Storage

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sweet potato hash and black beans for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble the bowls.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any special equipment for this recipe, but a few kitchen essentials will make the process easier:

• Large Skillet: To cook the sweet potato hash and black beans.
• Grater: For grating the sweet potatoes.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes? Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but sweet potatoes provide extra fiber and vitamins, making them a healthier option.
2. Can I add eggs to the bowls? Absolutely! A fried or scrambled egg on top makes a great addition and boosts the protein content.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I make these bowls spicy? Yes, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to bring some heat to your dish.

Print

Conclusion

The Southwestern Sweet Potato Hash Brown & Black Bean Breakfast Bowl is a vibrant, delicious, and wholesome way to start your day. Packed with nutrients and bursting with bold flavors, this dish is both satisfying and customizable to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a meal prep option, or something to serve to your family, this breakfast bowl is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite!