If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with color, flavor, and a delightful combination of textures, then this Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s a vibrant, vegetarian-friendly casserole that pairs the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the creamy, hearty goodness of black beans and a medley of fresh vegetables. The warm spices mingle perfectly, creating a comforting meal that feels like a hug in casserole form. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here — just wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the tender sweet potatoes that provide a naturally sweet base, to the smoky spices and fresh veggies that add depth and brightness, every element plays a crucial role in building those unforgettable layers of flavor.
- Sweet potatoes (3 medium, peeled and diced): The star of the show, offering sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps roast the sweet potatoes to caramelized perfection and sauté the veggies.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Balances the flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon, divided): Adds a mild kick and depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses the casserole with a subtle smoky warmth.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy, aromatic quality that’s perfect with black beans.
- Onion (1 large, diced): Adds a sweet pungency when softened.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives that unmistakable savory base to the sauté.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Brightens the dish with sweetness and color.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and minced): Adds a gentle heat without overpowering.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Provides protein and creaminess to keep this casserole hearty.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, drained): Introduces slight acidity and moisture to balance richness.
- Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned): Offers sweet bursts and lovely texture contrast.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup): Cheddar or Monterey Jack works beautifully for melty, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds fresh herbal brightness.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the dish with zesty brightness.
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, and extra cilantro for richness and garnish.
How to Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to roast the sweet potatoes to tender, caramelized goodness. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, half the salt and pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin to coat them evenly. This seasoning mix is essential for infusing the sweet potatoes with smoky, earthy flavor that will become the backbone of the casserole.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for them to become tender inside with that gorgeous caramelized exterior. Roasting transforms them from mere starch to sweet, savory morsels that build the texture and flavor foundation of this recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. Cooking these until softened brings out their natural sweetness and melds their flavors together, creating a vibrant and aromatic base layer for the casserole filling.
Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Corn
Next, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and the rest of your salt and pepper to the sautéed veggies. Let everything warm through for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that the flavors marry beautifully and the mixture becomes cozy and flavorful before combining with the sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Mix Together and Assemble
In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with the black bean vegetable mixture. Add half of the shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lime juice, stirring gently to blend. Transfer this delightful mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The heat brings all the flavors together and creates a luscious, cheesy top that will have everyone scraping their plates clean!
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Allow your Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set so it won’t fall apart on the plate and allows the flavors to settle. Then get creative with garnishes like creamy avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and extra cilantro for brightness and indulgence.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The best part of serving this casserole is the beautiful finishing touches. Fresh avocado adds a buttery smoothness, sour cream brings cool creaminess that contrasts with the smoky spices, and a sprinkle of cilantro offers a refreshing pop of green color and flavor. These simple additions make every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own as a hearty entree, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a light citrusy slaw offers a lovely textural and flavor balance. A side of warm, crusty bread also works wonders to scoop up every last cheesy, bean-filled bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole’s filling in individual ramekins or bake portions inside bell pepper halves for edible bowls. You could even scoop the filling into warm tortillas for a hand-held meal. No matter how you present it, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully while chilling.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just cool completely, portion if desired, and wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quick reheat, though the oven helps retain texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I make this Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or use your favorite plant-based cheese substitute, and swap sour cream for a vegan alternative to keep it fully vegan without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for the jalapeño if I prefer less heat?
If you want to keep things mild, consider using a mild bell pepper instead of jalapeño or remove the seeds completely to reduce the spice level while still keeping its fresh flavor.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh sweet potatoes are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Canned sweet potatoes tend to be softer and can result in a mushier casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is the casserole?
The heat level is gentle, thanks to a single seeded jalapeño. You can easily adjust it to your taste by reducing or omitting the jalapeño or adding more for extra kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe enough — it’s one of those dishes that feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, it delivers incredible flavor with wholesome, accessible ingredients. Give it a try, and soon it’ll be one of your favorite go-to meals too!
Print
Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish combining roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned black beans, and melty cheese for a comforting and nutritious meal. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it features warm spices, fresh vegetables, and optional toppings like avocado and sour cream for added richness.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Beans
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
Spices and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Dairy and Herbs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional Toppings
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Additional cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes and baking the casserole.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet for roasting.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness and texture.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Combine Mixtures: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with the black bean and vegetable mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime juice to infuse brightness into the casserole base.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to create a melty, golden crust.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted fully and is bubbly, signaling that the casserole is ready to serve.
- Serve and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve with optional toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, and additional cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese flavor.
- Use frozen or canned corn if fresh corn is not available; just thaw or drain before using.
- Adjust the jalapeño amount according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- To make it vegan, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
