Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet

Last updated on November 10th, 2025 at 06:34 pm

A vibrant one-pan meal filled

…..with wholesome ingredients

Sweet potatoes, black beans, and rice come together in this Southwest-style skillet dish, merging comfort and nourishment in one pot. The soft and slightly sweet cubes of sweet potato contrast beautifully with the hearty black beans, while the rice adds a satisfying base. As it cooks, the warm and earthy aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. This dish celebrates the subtle flavors of the Southwest with a simple yet effective blend of spices. It’s colorful, hearty, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet stands out for its simplicity and versatility. Each bite offers a balance of textures; the creamy sweet potatoes, the tender black beans, and the fluffy rice create a delightful mouthfeel. The spices work together to deepen the flavor, providing a hint of warmth without overwhelming the palate. Not only is it a comforting meal, but it also packs in nutrition, making it a great option for families. Plus, its flavor develops beautifully overnight, making leftovers an appealing choice for lunch the next day. Serve it on its own or pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients List

• 1 medium sweet potato, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice (or white rice)
• 1 ¾ cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: avocado slices (for serving)

Kitchen Tools

This recipe keeps things straightforward. With a few essential tools, you’ll have everything you need to create a comforting meal in no time.

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, releasing a sweet aroma into the air.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. The garlic should release its pungent scent, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
3. Add the diced sweet potato to the skillet. Stir well, allowing the sweet potato to coat with the aromatic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften.
4. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly. The spices will infuse the sweet potatoes and vegetables with deep, rich flavors.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the uncooked rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice and sweet potatoes are tender and have absorbed the liquid.
6. Once cooked, remove the lid and stir in the black beans. Allow everything to heat through for about 3–5 minutes. The beans will add a creamy texture and protein to the dish.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if desired. The colors of the dish will make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Pro Tips

• Consider adding corn or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
• For an added depth of flavor, try roasting the sweet potatoes before adding them to the skillet.
• This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
• Adjust the spice levels based on your preference; add more chili powder for a kick or keep it mild.
• Top with lime juice for a refreshing twist.

A Colorful and Nourishing Meal

This Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, proving that comfort food can also be wholesome. Its vibrant colors and enticing aroma create a welcoming atmosphere in the kitchen and at the table. As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of the ingredients and the warmth they bring. This dish proves that wholesome cooking can indeed be easy and satisfying.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet

Isabella C.

A vibrant one-pan meal filled with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, black beans, and rice, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Southwestern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice (or white rice)
• 1 ¾ cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• to taste Salt & pepper

Cooking Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Garnishes (optional)

• fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• avocado slices for serving

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the diced sweet potato to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften.
• Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and mix thoroughly.

Cooking

• Pour in the vegetable broth and add the uncooked rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes.
• Once cooked, remove the lid and stir in the black beans. Allow everything to heat through for about 3–5 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if desired.

Notes

Consider adding corn or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.

Keyword Black Bean Recipe, Easy Dinner, Healthy Meal, One-Pan Meal, Sweet Potato Skillet