Go Back
To make the Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and thoroughly drained - 1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow for sweetness), diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for those who love heat) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 ripe avocado, sliced for garnish - Fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped, for garnishing - Lime wedges, for serving These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and tasty dish. The sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that balances well with the spices. Black beans add protein and fiber, making this meal hearty. The bell pepper and onion provide a lovely crunch and flavor. Garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika add depth and warmth. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. You can also swap in other veggies if you want to try something new. Cooking this dish is a fun way to explore flavors while preparing a healthy meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heating the skillet and sautéing onions and peppers Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let it shimmer, then add finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often until the onion turns soft and clear. 2. Incorporating garlic and spices Next, add two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for one more minute. This step fills your kitchen with a great smell. 3. Adding sweet potatoes and steaming Now, toss in two diced sweet potatoes. Add a splash of water, about two tablespoons. Stir well and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes. This helps the sweet potatoes soften up. 4. Mixing in black beans and cooking to tenderness Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid. Add one can of rinsed black beans. Gently stir everything together. Cook uncovered for another 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sweet potatoes are soft and slightly caramelized. 5. Final seasoning and presentation Taste the dish and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. When ready, remove the skillet from heat. Serve warm, topping with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro. Don't forget lime wedges on the side for extra zest! - Ensuring sweet potatoes are cut evenly: Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly and quickly. If some pieces are larger, they may stay hard while others become mushy. - Adjusting cooking time for desired tenderness: If you like your sweet potatoes softer, add a few extra minutes when steaming. Check them often. They should be tender but not too soft. - Best practices for seasoning the dish: Season with salt and pepper as you go. This builds flavor. Start with a little, then taste and adjust. The spices will shine through when balanced well. - Styling suggestions for serving: Use vibrant bowls to make the dish pop. Arrange the avocado beautifully on top. It adds color and elegance. - Using vibrant bowls and garnishes: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges bring brightness. Place lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze. This adds a fresh zing to each bite. Pro Tips Choose Sweet Potatoes Wisely: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any blemishes or soft spots for the best flavor and texture. Customize the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance. Start with a pinch, and add more if you like it hot! Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh cilantro enhances the flavor profile significantly. Dried herbs won’t provide the same freshness. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added creaminess and tang. {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish by swapping some ingredients. If you want to replace black beans, try using chickpeas. They add a nice texture and flavor. For a different taste, switch up your bell pepper. You can use green, orange, or even poblano peppers. Each type brings its unique flavor. Feel free to add more veggies. Zucchini, corn, or spinach work well. You can also add proteins like cooked chicken or tofu for extra heartiness. Pair this Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet with other tasty dishes. It goes great with a simple green salad or some warm tortillas. For a complete meal, serve it with brown rice or quinoa. This adds fiber and makes the dish even more filling. You can also top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Remember, a squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the whole dish, so don’t skip it! To store leftovers, let the skillet cool down. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir it often until it’s hot. You can also microwave it. Just cover the dish and heat it for one to two minutes. If you want to freeze the Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove. Add a little water for moisture, and stir until heated through. Enjoy the same great taste, even after freezing! Yes, this dish is already vegan! It uses sweet potatoes, black beans, and veggies. Just skip the avocado if you want it to be oil-free. To add heat, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also add jalapeños or hot sauce. These will boost the flavor and warmth. Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You can add corn, zucchini, or spinach for more veggies. Cooked chicken or tofu also works well. Get creative with your favorites! This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This blog post covered a tasty and easy Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, detailed steps for cooking, and helpful tips. We shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. Keep this recipe handy for quick meals. Whether you're cooking for friends or just yourself, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy exploring new tastes and make this skillet your own!

Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet

A vibrant and flavorful skillet dish featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices, topped with avocado and cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 1 bell pepper diced (choose red or yellow for sweetness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 2 cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced for garnish
  • to taste Fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped, for garnishing
  • as needed Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Cook this aromatic mixture for an additional minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
  • Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, followed by a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to assist in steaming. Stir everything together and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, so the sweet potatoes can soften slightly.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and add in the rinsed black beans. Gently stir to combine, then continue cooking uncovered for another 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sweet potatoes are fully tender and have developed a lovely caramelized exterior.
  • Taste the mixture and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
  • Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the dish warm, elegantly topped with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Accompany with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Notes

Serve in vibrant bowls, arranging the avocado beautifully on top and offering lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their portions for an extra burst of flavor.
Keyword healthy, skillet, sweet potato, vegetarian