Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas: A Flavorful Vegan Delight
If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty, and plant-based meal, these vegan black bean and sweet potato enchiladas are a fantastic choice. Loaded with black beans, sweet potatoes, spices, and topped with a flavorful enchilada sauce, this dish is satisfying, nutrient-packed, and easy to make. These enchiladas offer a beautiful combination of creamy, savory, and mildly spicy flavors, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
1.Why You’ll Love These Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
These enchiladas are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while black beans add protein and a creamy texture. This recipe is also versatile—add more veggies, use different toppings, or make them as spicy or mild as you like. They’re perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and a great way to introduce plant-based eating to your routine.
Ready for more comforting, healthy meals? Check out the full recipe collection for more plant-based dinner ideas.
-Ingredients for Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
These enchiladas are easy to prepare with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and cubed
- Black Beans – 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Tortillas – 8 medium-sized, preferably whole wheat or corn for a healthier option
- Red Bell Pepper – 1, diced
- Onion – 1 small, diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing
- Spinach – 2 cups, roughly chopped (optional for extra greens)
- Enchilada Sauce – 1 ½ cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and Black Pepper – To taste
- Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
Toppings (Optional)
- Avocado – Sliced
- Fresh Cilantro – Chopped
- Vegan Cheese – Shredded
- Lime Wedges – For a zesty finish
2.Step-by-Step Recipe: Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
This recipe comes together quickly and requires only a few steps for a deliciously satisfying meal. Follow these simple instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened.
Add the black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the black bean mixture. Stir in the chopped spinach (if using) and cook for 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Remove from heat and taste to adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the sweet potato and black bean filling onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
For extra flavor, remove the foil, sprinkle with vegan cheese if desired, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve warm and enjoy!
3.Tips for Perfect Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Adjusting Spice Levels
- If you like it spicy, add a diced jalapeño to the filling or sprinkle red pepper flakes. For a milder version, skip the chili powder.
Using Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- If you prefer homemade sauce, it’s easy to make! Simply sauté garlic and spices with tomato paste, then add vegetable broth and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Make It Ahead
- These enchiladas are great for meal prep. You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it, or assemble the enchiladas fully and freeze for a quick meal later.
5.Nutritional Benefits of Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
These enchiladas are nutrient-dense, offering a variety of health benefits:
- Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C, supporting eye and skin health.
- Black Beans: Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, making them filling and great for muscle support.
- Spinach: Adds an extra dose of iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: A source of healthy monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.
6.Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- With a Fresh Salad
Serve these enchiladas with a side salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. - With Mexican Rice or Cauliflower Rice
Add a side of rice for a more filling meal. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice seasoned with lime and cilantro. - With Tortilla Chips and Guacamole
Make your meal complete by serving with crunchy tortilla chips and a side of guacamole or salsa.
Conclusion
These vegan black bean and sweet potato enchiladas are a deliciously hearty meal that’s packed with plant-based nutrition and bursting with flavor. With a creamy, savory filling and a hint of spice, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. So grab those tortillas and enjoy the flavors of a wholesome, comforting enchilada dish!
Looking for more easy and healthy recipes? Visit Viral Recipes for a wide range of tips and tricks for making quick and nutritious dishes your whole family will love!
For more nutritious and delicious recipes, check out our collection of healthy vegetarian dishes.
F.A.Q.
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Yes, simply use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of wheat.
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and freeze them (without the sauce) in an airtight container. When ready to bake, pour sauce over them and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
If you prefer, you can substitute black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even lentils for a similar texture and flavor.
Yes! Simply skip the oil when roasting sweet potatoes and sautéing vegetables. Use a little water or vegetable broth for sautéing instead.
