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Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet

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This Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious one-pan meal! Packed with tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, fluffy rice, and bold Tex-Mex spices, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese (omit for vegan)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (omit for vegan)


Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and sweet potato. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. Add uncooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
  3. Cook for 15–20 minutes (or longer if using brown rice), until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Add Corn & Finish

  1. Stir in frozen corn and cook for 2 more minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and squeeze in fresh lime juice.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and optional toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it Vegan: Skip the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
  • Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Spicy Option: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.