Sizzling Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet Recipe

A vibrant southwest sweet potato, black bean, and rice skillet that bursts with colors and flavors right on your plate.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a dance of textures that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Bold spices weave through each bite, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Weeknight dinners never looked this good or felt this satisfying.

Nutritious and filling, this one-pan wonder comes together faster than you can say delicious.

Packed with protein and wholesome goodness, the skillet delivers a delightful twist on classic southwestern cuisine.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right in.

Why Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet Is So Tasty

• Whip Up Colorful Nutrition: This skillet packs a vibrant punch of vegetables, sweet potatoes, and black beans, delivering a powerhouse of nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Simplify Cooking with One-Pan Magic: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks looking for quick, satisfying dinners.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The recipe offers endless personalization with optional toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream, letting each cook create their perfect southwest-inspired meal.
• Embrace Weeknight Wellness: A balanced, plant-based dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making healthy eating accessible and exciting for families and individuals seeking nutritious, flavorful options.

Ingredients For Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet

• Sweet Potato: Hearty and nutritious root vegetable with soft texture and slightly sweet flavor.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable providing crunch and mild pepper flavor.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer with aromatic qualities.

• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume with creamy texture and earthy taste.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that serves as the primary starch in the skillet.

• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that adds moisture and tangy flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that helps cook rice and infuse overall flavor.
• Frozen Corn: Sweet and crisp vegetable that adds texture and color.
• Chili Powder: Spice blend providing warmth and southwestern character.
• Cumin: Earthy spice with distinctive southwestern profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Rich, smoky spice that adds depth and complexity.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
• Black Pepper: Subtle heat and aromatic spice.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing vegetables.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element to balance flavors.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb with distinctive southwestern taste.
• Cheese, Avocado, Sour Cream: Optional toppings for additional richness and texture.

How To Make Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Veggie Base

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Cubed sweet potato

Saute the vegetables for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften and develop a light golden color. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, letting the aromatic flavors bloom.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Uncooked rice
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with their juices
• Vegetable broth
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Allow the dish to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid.

Step 3: Add Final Touches

Stir in frozen corn and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, warming through completely. Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, adding a bright, zesty finish.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

• Crumbled cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Dollop of sour cream

Serve the skillet piping hot, diving into a meal packed with southwestern flavors and hearty ingredients.

Helpful Tips For Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet

• Veggie Prep Power: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
• Rice Liquid Ratio: Adjust broth amount based on rice type; white rice needs less liquid compared to brown rice for perfect tenderness.
• Customize Heat Level: Modify chili powder and spice quantities to match personal heat preference without overwhelming other flavors.
• Protein Boost Options: Easily transform this vegetarian dish by adding shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles for additional nutrition.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the skillet in advance and reheat gently, as the flavors develop and become more complex when resting overnight.

How To Keep Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through and steaming.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture.
• Freeze: Pack meal in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What To Pair With Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur to complement the skillet's bright, tangy flavors and enhance the southwestern profile.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light, refreshing beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the dish's rich, hearty textures and cut through the spicy undertones.
• Create a Cool Avocado Crema: Whip up a creamy side sauce using ripe avocados, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to add a smooth, cooling element that connects perfectly with the skillet's warmth.
• Serve with Fresh Mango Salsa: Chop ripe mangoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to create a vibrant, sweet-and-spicy topping that adds brightness and complexity to the southwestern rice dish.

Fun Variations On Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet

• Quinoa Power Bowl: Swap rice with protein-packed quinoa for a gluten-free, nutrient-dense alternative that adds extra texture and amino acids to the skillet.
• Spicy Chipotle Fusion: Introduce smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to intensify the heat and create a more robust, complex flavor profile that awakens taste buds.
• Mediterranean Transformation: Replace black beans with chickpeas, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate oregano and za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired version that brings vibrant, tangy notes.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Remix: Dice grilled chicken breast and mix into the skillet during the final cooking stage, providing a lean protein boost and making the meal more substantial for meat lovers.

FAQs For Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet

• What makes this Southwest skillet dish special?

This recipe combines hearty sweet potatoes, protein-packed black beans, and flavorful spices for a nutritious one-pan meal that brings vibrant Southwest flavors to your dinner table.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! This skillet is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting cheese and using plant-based toppings like dairy-free sour cream.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños during the sauté stage or including a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning. Hot sauce also works great as a topping for extra kick.

• How can I make this dish more filling?

Consider adding grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein, or serve with a side of cornbread or tortillas to make the meal more substantial and satisfying.

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Southwest Sweet Potato Skillet blends zesty flavors with comforting textures for a quick one-pan meal. Spicy seasonings and wholesome ingredients create a satisfying dinner packed with nutrition and bold southwestern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 1 can (10 ounces / 285 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Toppings:

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

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium temperature with olive oil, preparing for vegetable transformation.
2. Introduce diced onion, vibrant bell pepper, and cubed sweet potato to the pan, allowing them to soften and develop caramelized edges for 5-6 minutes.
3. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its aromatic essence and prevent burning.
4. Incorporate uncooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Thoroughly mix ingredients, encouraging them to meld together, then reduce heat and cover the skillet.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, steaming the rice and absorbing flavors for 15-20 minutes until grains become tender and liquid disappears.
7. Enliven the dish by stirring in frozen corn, letting it warm through and add a sweet, crisp element.
8. Remove from heat and brighten the skillet with a fresh squeeze of lime juice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and optional embellishments like crumbled cheese, creamy avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.
10. Serve immediately, presenting a colorful, nutritious one-pan meal bursting with southwestern inspiration.

Notes

• Swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to boost protein and reduce carbohydrates for low-carb diets.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance deeper flavor complexity and add more nutritional depth.
• Roast sweet potatoes beforehand for intensified caramelized sweetness and slightly crispy exterior before adding to skillet.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for spice enthusiasts who love bold Southwest-style flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg