Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet

by Danae · Published: Nov 22, 2021

This easy, one pan, Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet is a hearty and healthy vegetarian dinner the whole family will love! Made with brown rice, sweet potatoes, black beans, green chiles, spices and topped with melted cheese. On the table in 30 minutes and great for leftovers the next day!

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet topped with slices of avocado.

If you’re looking to add more vegetarian meals to your weekly dinner plans, but are worried you’ll still be hungry because there’s no meat in the recipe, fear not! This Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet is so hearty and full of flavor you won’t think twice about it being vegetarian.

This easy one pan dinner was inspired by one of my most popular recipes, Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Skillet. It has many of the same flavors, but without the chicken and the addition of brown rice.

Ingredients For Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet

sweet potato
chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder
diced green chiles
salsa or salsa verde
brown rice
black beans
cilantro
lime
cheddar, Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet topped with avocado.

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

Heat a some olive oil in a large skillet, preferably one with a lid. If you don’t have a skillet with a lid use a piece of foil or a large plate. Add in the diced sweet potato, salt and pepper, and sauté it over medium heat for about about 8 minutes. It won’t be completely soft at this point.

Add several tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid so that the sweet potato steams and doesn’t get overly browned while it continues to cook. Once the sweet potato is fork tender add in the green chiles, black beans, rice, dried spices, salsa, cilantro, lime juice, and additional salt and pepper.

Stir everything together and let it heat through for a few minutes. Add the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet with the lid. Let everything cook for another couple minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is warm.

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet in a stainless steel skillet with a wooden spoon next to it and a bowl of lime slices behind it.

Time Saving Tips

Use leftover cooked brown rice, minute rice, microwaveable bagged rice, or frozen rice to save 40 minutes of cooking time.
If you have leftover roasted sweet potatoes those can be used instead.

closeup of Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet with a spoon scooping up some of it.

Toppings For Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet

Avocado – Since this is a vegetarian meal, avocado is a great way to add healthy fat, fiber, and a little protein to make it more satiating.

Greek yogurt or sour cream – The added creaminess and tang of the Greek yogurt goes so well with the spices, green chiles, and salsa in this recipe. Greek yogurt is also a good way to add in additional protein.

Tomatoes – They add a nice bit of sweetness.

Black olives – briny, salty, and a great addition if you enjoy olives.

Crushed tortilla chips – If you want a crunchy element to this dish, add the crushed tortilla chips when you add on the cheese. Sort of like nachos on top! Be aware that they’ll soften and won’t be crunchy if you plan to have this for leftovers.

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet with some scooped out and a wooden spoon in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of brown rice?

Cooked white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb option would all work well and be delicious.

Can I use a different kind of bean?

Yes. Pinto beans would be a great alternative if you or your family prefer them.

What kind of salsa should I use?

Regular salsa or salsa verde both work. I suggest not using a thick and chunky salsa because you’ll want the liquid to help create the sauce. I used Saso Classic Verde Salsa.

What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?

Try adding corn, diced zucchini, spinach, and/or a can of fire roasted tomatoes.

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Rice Skillet in a bowl with a spoon and avocado slices.

More Skillet Dinners

Yield: 4 servings