Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet Recipe
If you’re hunting for an easy, flavor-packed meal that feels like a fiesta in one pan, this Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet is about to become your new go-to. It’s hearty, wholesome, bursting with brilliant color, and studded with just enough cheese to make things dreamy. This one-pan wonder delivers the comfort of a casserole, the zingy zest of the Southwest, and the ease you need for busy weeknights—all while keeping the kitchen mess to a minimum. Trust me, once you try this Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet, you’ll understand why I make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of vibrant, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create magic here. Each one, from the earthy sweet potatoes to the punchy green chiles, brings something essential to the party—flavor, texture, or a pop of color you’ll want in every bite.
- Olive oil: The perfect start for sautéing and infusing a touch of richness.
- Peeled and diced sweet potato: Adds sweet, earthy depth and becomes meltingly tender in the skillet.
- Chili powder: For that signature Southwest warmth without overwhelming heat.
- Ground cumin: Gives the dish its trademark toasty, slightly smoky base.
- Dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbal note that balances all the bold flavors.
- Smoked paprika: A smoky kick that adds complexity and gorgeous color.
- Garlic powder: A fuss-free way to infuse garlicky goodness into every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for coaxing out all those Southwest flavors.
- Diced green chiles: Adds gentle heat and a tangy edge—look for canned for convenience.
- Salsa or salsa verde: Juicy, zippy, and loaded with extra veggies; choose your favorite for added punch.
- Cooked brown rice: Makes this skillet filling and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Low sodium black beans (drained and rinsed): For protein, fiber, and that classic black bean bite.
- Chopped cilantro: A fresh, herby finish you don’t want to skip.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and ties all the flavors together with a zing.
- Shredded cheddar, colby jack, or monterey jack cheese: Melty, gooey, and utterly irresistible as the final touch.
How to Make Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Sauté and Steam the Sweet Potatoes
Kick things off by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those lovely cubes of sweet potato, then sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Sauté them for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. Once they’re starting to soften, add a few spoons of water and pop a lid on the pan to let them steam. After about 4 more minutes, they’ll be fork-tender and ready to soak up all the good stuff that’s coming next.
Step 2: Layer in the Flavor
With your sweet potatoes perfectly tender, it’s time to build those Southwest vibes. Add the green chiles, black beans, rice, spices, salsa, most of the cilantro, lime juice, and another pinch each of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix the flavors—and just watch as the skillet becomes a colorful, irresistible sight!
Step 3: Make It Melty and Irresistible
Sprinkle your cheese of choice over the top of the mixture, cover the skillet again, and let everything gently cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The cheese will melt lusciously into the skillet, turning every bite completely crave-worthy. When the cheese has bubbled and melted and everything is hot all the way through, grab your plates—it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet
Garnishes
The easiest way to take this skillet from tasty to utterly unforgettable is with a handful of fun toppings. Try extra cilantro, creamy diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and maybe a few slices of fresh jalapeno if you love heat. Each garnish gives fresh flavor and a touch of that “wow” restaurant finish.
Side Dishes
This Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet is a true one-pan wonder, but if you’re feeding a crowd or just want to round things out, serve with warm corn tortillas, a light green salad with citrus dressing, or crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Simple, quick, and perfect for scooping up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or meal prepping, try piling this skillet filling into roasted bell pepper halves, layering it into burritos, or using it as a hearty topping for baked sweet potatoes. The Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet is endlessly versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and meld when stored overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch (or dinner!) even tastier. You can keep this Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Good news: this skillet meal freezes beautifully. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a lifesaver to have a batch ready whenever you need something quick, delicious, and nourishing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a portion until piping hot, or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the texture. Stir well before serving, and top with fresh garnishes to bring the flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I make this Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular cheese for your favorite vegan cheese or skip it entirely—the rest of the recipe is naturally plant-based.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, cooked white rice works just as well if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be slightly softer, but the flavors are equally delicious.
What if I can’t find salsa verde?
No worries—any kind of salsa will work beautifully. Feel free to choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference; each brings its own twist to the skillet!
How can I add more protein?
If you want to boost the protein, add diced cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu in step two along with the beans. It bulks up the meal without taking away from the wonderful flavors of the Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your salsa and spices to ensure there are no hidden gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that brings comfort, color, and a bright blast of Southwest flavor to your table, give this Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet a try. It’s the happy, hearty kind of dinner you’ll want on repeat—quick enough for weeknights but special enough to share with friends. Dig in, and enjoy every vibrant spoonful!
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Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and delicious spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup salsa or salsa verde
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 15-ounce can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Juice of a lime
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, colby jack, or monterey jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté sweet potatoes with spices until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Add green chiles, black beans, rice, salsa, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover, and cook until melted and heated through.
Notes
- This dish can be customized with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Southwest, Sweet Potato, Black Bean, Rice, Skillet, Easy, Healthy, Vegetarian
