Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole: An Incredible 5-Layer Wholesome Delight Recipe
This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole is a nutritious and comforting five-layer dish combining tender sweet potatoes, protein-packed black beans, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it features layers of flavorful sautéed peppers and onions, seasoned with cumin, paprika, and chili powder, then baked to bubbly perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Beans
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
Dairy and Liquids
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in water for about 10 minutes until they are fork-tender, then drain them thoroughly.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced red onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, corn, sautéed vegetables, cumin, paprika, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sweet potato mixture evenly, then sprinkle half the shredded cheese over it. Repeat the layers with the remaining mixture and cheese.
- Add Broth and Cover: Pour the vegetable broth around the edges of the casserole dish to add moisture. Cover the dish with foil to retain steam while baking.
- Bake Casserole: Bake covered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn based on convenience.
- Feel free to substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative if desired.
- Adding chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving adds a burst of freshness.
- This casserole can be made ahead and reheated; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when reheating.
- Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference for more or less heat.
Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Black Bean Recipe, Vegetarian Casserole, Healthy Dinner, Layered Casserole
