Spicy Black Bean Sweet Potatoes

Featured in: Vegetarian & Vegan

This dish features tender roasted sweet potatoes tossed with smoky spices and combined with hearty black beans and corn. The filling is nestled in tortillas, covered with a robust enchilada sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. Fresh cilantro and lime add brightness to each bite, creating a harmonious balance of spicy, smoky, and fresh flavors. Perfect for a vegetarian main, it offers comfort and depth with a touch of heat and zest.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:25:00 GMT
Aromatic Spicy Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro.  Save to Pinterest
Aromatic Spicy Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. | krispyrecipes.com

A vibrant, satisfying Mexican-inspired dish featuring roasted sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, and a spicy enchilada sauce, all wrapped in tortillas and baked to perfection. Perfect for a flavorful vegetarian dinner.

This recipe brings warmth and spice to my dinner table, making weeknights exciting and wholesome.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced (about 500 g), 1 small red onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional for extra heat)
  • Beans & Fillings: 1½ cups (1 can 400 g) cooked black beans drained and rinsed, ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen), 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, Juice of 1 lime, Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Enchilada Sauce: 1½ cups (375 ml) enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade), 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Assembly: 8 medium corn or flour tortillas, 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (use plant-based cheese for vegan), Additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, paprika, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 3:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 4:
Add the roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and cilantro to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 5:
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6:
Spread ½ cup (125 ml) enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 7:
Spoon the filling evenly into each tortilla, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
Step 8:
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
Step 9:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 10:
Let cool for 5 minutes then garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Colorful plate of Spicy Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas served with lime wedges.  Save to Pinterest
Colorful plate of Spicy Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas served with lime wedges. | krispyrecipes.com

Sharing these enchiladas with my family always brings smiles and full bellies on chilly evenings.

Notes

For vegan enchiladas use plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely Add spinach or chopped kale for extra greens Serve with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt or vegan sour cream Pair with a light Mexican lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc

Required Tools

Baking sheet Large skillet 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Mixing bowls Knife and cutting board Aluminum foil

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 12 g Carbohydrates 65 g Protein 14 g

Deliciously baked Spicy Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas drizzled with rich enchilada sauce. Save to Pinterest
Deliciously baked Spicy Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas drizzled with rich enchilada sauce. | krispyrecipes.com

These enchiladas come together easily and pack a punch of flavor perfect for any night of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

How can I make this dish vegan?

Use plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely, and ensure tortillas are gluten-free if preferred. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

What type of tortillas works best?

Corn or flour tortillas can be used based on preference. For gluten-free options, corn tortillas are ideal.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, roast the sweet potatoes and sauté the vegetables in advance. Combine with beans and spices before assembly to save time.

What variations can enhance the flavor?

Adding chopped spinach or kale incorporates extra greens, while a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro enhances freshness.

How spicy is this dish?

The jalapeño adds medium heat, adjustable or optional; the chili powder and smoked paprika provide warm, smoky undertones without overwhelming spice.

What sides pair well with this meal?

Serve alongside avocado slices, a crisp green salad, or a light Mexican lager to balance the rich flavors.

Spicy Black Bean Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes and black beans combined with spices and cheese, baked for a satisfying meal.

Prep Duration
25 minutes
Cooking Duration
35 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Vegetarian & Vegan

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Mexican

Total Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Veggie-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (approximately 17.6 oz)
02 1 small red onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Beans & Fillings

01 1½ cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed (about 14 oz canned)
02 ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
03 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
04 Juice of 1 lime
05 Salt, to taste
06 Black pepper, to taste

Spices

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 ½ teaspoon chili powder
04 ¼ teaspoon ground coriander

Enchilada Sauce

01 1½ cups enchilada sauce (12 fl oz)
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Assembly

01 8 medium corn or flour tortillas
02 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz), plant-based cheese optional
03 Additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast Sweet Potatoes: Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Combine Filling Ingredients: Add roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, minced jalapeño if using, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 06

Prepare Baking Dish: Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 07

Assemble Enchiladas: Fill each tortilla evenly with the prepared filling, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 08

Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.

Step 09

Bake Enchiladas: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 10

Serve: Allow enchiladas to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy if using regular cheese
  • Contains gluten if using flour tortillas

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 420
  • Total Fat: 12 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 65 grams
  • Protein Content: 14 grams