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Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet Recipe

4.6 from 134 reviews

This Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender sweet potatoes, seasoned black beans, and a medley of spices. Topped with crispy tortilla chips and melted Mexican cheese, it delivers a satisfying Tex-Mex inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 large sweet potato (about 12 oz.), peeled, cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can black beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp. ground cumin

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. neutral oil
  • 3 oz. tortilla chips, partially broken (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (about 4 oz.), divided
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In a large, wide skillet, cover the cubed sweet potatoes with cold water and season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and wipe out the pan.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the neutral oil. Add the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add Main Ingredients and Simmer: Add the cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup water to the skillet. Toss together to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly evaporated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Prepare for Broiling: Preheat the broiler. Add the broken tortilla chips and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese to the skillet; gently toss to combine while keeping some chips intact. Evenly distribute the remaining 3/4 cup cheese on top.
  5. Broil and Serve: Place the skillet under the broiler and watch closely until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve immediately with sour cream on the side.

Notes

  • Use a wide, oven-safe skillet to enable broiling directly in the pan.
  • Partially breaking the tortilla chips adds texture without turning the dish into a mash.
  • Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level.
  • This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the sour cream or using a plant-based alternative.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure the tortilla chips are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: Black Bean Sweet Potato Taco Skillet, vegetarian tacos, one-pan meal, Mexican skillet, easy weeknight dinner, black beans sweet potatoes, cheesy taco skillet