Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas Recipe

When it comes to meals that check all the boxes—flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation—Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas stand out. This recipe offers a satisfying, hearty dish that can work for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s not just a meal but a balanced option for anyone looking to mix up their dinner rotation.

Why Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas?

This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and plant-based proteins into your meals. Sweet potatoes are not only nutrient-rich but also naturally sweet, complementing the savory spices in the dish. Black beans, a pantry staple, add protein and texture, making this a filling meal. Together, these ingredients create a flavorful base for enchiladas that’s both affordable and easy to prepare.

Ingredients Breakdown

The Filling

• Sweet Potatoes: These provide a hearty, slightly sweet component to the dish. Roasting them enhances their natural flavor.
• Black Beans: Canned black beans make this recipe convenient. Be sure to rinse and drain them before use.
• Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture. Frozen corn works perfectly, making this a year-round option.
• Cheese: While the recipe uses shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, feel free to use your preferred cheese or even skip it for a vegan version.
• Cilantro: This herb adds freshness to the filling, but it can be omitted if you’re not a fan.

The Sauce

Homemade enchilada sauce is the star of this dish. It’s quick to make and allows you to control the flavors. You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, along with common spices like chili powder and cumin.

Tortillas

Both corn and flour tortillas work well. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a great option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil and spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender. This step enhances their flavor and ensures they cook evenly.

2. Make the Enchilada Sauce

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the sauce. Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan and whisking in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add vegetable broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add tomato paste and spices, and let the sauce simmer until thickened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Set it aside once done. For a quicker option use canned enchilada sauce.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, corn, and chopped cilantro. Add a cup of shredded cheese and mix well. The filling should be evenly combined, making it easier to roll into tortillas.

4. Assemble the Enchiladas

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spoon the filling onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the dish. Once all the tortillas are filled and arranged, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce.

5. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas are a meal on their own, but you can pair them with simple sides to round out the dish:

• Rice: A side of cilantro lime rice or brown rice complements the enchiladas well.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish, or try a corn and avocado salad.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole adds a creamy element.
• Sour Cream or Yogurt: A dollop on top provides a cool contrast to the warm enchiladas.

Tips for Success

1. Roasting Sweet Potatoes: Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of roast.
2. Customizing the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder to the filling and sauce.
3. Making It Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The recipe is naturally vegetarian, but it’s easy to adapt for vegan diets.
4. Preventing Soggy Tortillas: Lightly warming the tortillas before filling can prevent them from cracking or becoming soggy during baking.
5. Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later. Enchiladas freeze well both before and after baking.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas for switching it up:

• Add Protein: If you’re not vegetarian, shredded chicken or ground turkey can be mixed into the filling.
• Swap the Beans: Pinto beans or chickpeas work as great alternatives to black beans.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added for extra nutrients.
• Use Different Sauces: Try a green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist or a mole sauce for a richer flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish but skip the baking step. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding about 15 minutes to the baking time.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans creates a filling that’s both hearty and nutritious. The enchilada sauce ties everything together with its bold, savory flavor. This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, these enchiladas are a reliable choice.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas are more than just a recipe—they’re an opportunity to bring something wholesome and satisfying to the table. With simple steps and customizable options, this dish is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Next time you’re in the mood for a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious, give this recipe a try. You’ll likely find it becomes a favorite in your meal rotation.

If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your variations and serving ideas!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas Recipe

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Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish, these enchiladas combine roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices, all wrapped in tortillas and topped with a zesty enchilada sauce and melted cheese.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 enchiladas 1x

Ingredients

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For the Filling:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, cilantro, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Set aside.

2. Make the Enchilada Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
2. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth until smooth. Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas:

1. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.

4. Bake:

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve:

1. Garnish with extra cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

• Author: Lindsey Chastain
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Cuisine: Mexican

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