Print

Wholesome Loaded Sweet Potato with Zesty Black Beans

loaded sweet potato with black beans - featured image

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring roasted sweet potatoes stuffed with zesty black beans, topped with creamy avocado and optional toppings. Perfect for a quick, nourishing, and meatless meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, washed and dried
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or mashed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Poke each sweet potato several times with a fork to let steam escape during roasting. Rub each with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on a baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  3. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Check at 40 minutes by piercing with a fork; they should be soft inside but the skin should stay intact. Roast a few more minutes if needed.
  4. While the potatoes roast, prepare the zesty black beans: In a bowl, combine the drained black beans, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix well.
  5. Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro to the beans. Stir and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  7. Slice each potato lengthwise down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  8. Fluff the inside of the sweet potato flesh gently with a fork to create a soft bed for the beans.
  9. Top each sweet potato with a generous scoop of the zesty black beans.
  10. Add slices or dollops of avocado on top for creaminess.
  11. Add any optional toppings such as diced red onion, shredded cheese, or a spoonful of sour cream.
  12. Serve warm with an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

Microwaving sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes is a quicker alternative but will not produce crispy skin. For a dairy-free version, skip sour cream or use plant-based alternatives. Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Keep avocado separate until serving to avoid browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato, black beans, vegetarian, plant-based, easy recipe, healthy, loaded sweet potato, zesty, quick meal, meatless