Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole is a hearty, wholesome dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Featuring the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, the earthy richness of black beans, and the savory depth of Mexican-inspired spices, this vegetarian casserole is an ideal choice for a comforting dinner or a reliable meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and savory
• Nutrient-rich and high in fiber
• Easy to prepare with pantry staples
• Vegetarian and easily adaptable to vegan
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Family-friendly and satisfying
• Customizable with additional toppings or protein
• Gluten-free when made with gluten-free tortillas
• One-dish convenience
• Freezer-friendly for future meals

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Diced sweet potatoes
• Black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
• Corn (canned or frozen)
• Red or purple onion, diced
• Salsa
• Taco seasoning
• Lime juice
• Small tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, onion, salsa, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Stir to mix evenly.
3. Fold the tortilla pieces into the mixture.
4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mixture, spreading it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, or avocado slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add meat: Incorporate cooked ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken for a non-vegetarian version.
• Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether.
• Spice lovers: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.
• Add greens: Mix in chopped spinach or kale for an extra veggie boost.
• Tortilla swap: Use corn tortillas or gluten-free options if needed.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked and cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

What kind of salsa works best in this recipe?

A medium-heat tomato-based salsa adds great flavor, but feel free to use your favorite variety.

Can I make this casserole vegan?

Yes, simply use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

Do I need to cook the sweet potatoes first?

No, they will cook fully in the oven during baking.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?

Absolutely. Fresh corn adds a nice texture and sweetness to the dish.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and the cheese melted and bubbly.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What are good toppings for this casserole?

Avocado slices, chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce work well.

Can I use sweet potato mash instead of diced sweet potatoes?

It’s not recommended, as the texture of diced sweet potatoes adds more structure to the casserole.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free tortillas and verify your salsa and taco seasoning are gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two standard ones.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole is a satisfying, wholesome, and adaptable dish that checks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and ease. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, planning for the week ahead, or looking for a comforting meatless meal, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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