Sweet Potato Black Bean Bake

Featured in: Warm Bakes & Casseroles

This wholesome casserole combines tender sweet potatoes and black beans layered with corn tortillas and a zesty enchilada sauce. Sautéed vegetables and spices enhance the flavor before baking to bubbly perfection and melted cheese topping. It's a comforting dish offering vibrant textures and Mexican-inspired warmth, perfect for a satisfying main course. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:25:00 GMT
Hearty Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Bake drizzled with enchilada sauce and melted cheese.  Save
Hearty Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Bake drizzled with enchilada sauce and melted cheese. | forkta.com

A hearty, flavorful casserole featuring tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a zesty enchilada sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted cheese.

This dish has become a favorite for family dinners because it's both nutritious and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
  • Red onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Black beans: 2 cans (15 oz each), rinsed and drained
  • Corn tortillas: 8 small, cut into quarters
  • Enchilada sauce: 2 cups (store-bought or homemade, gluten-free if needed)
  • Mexican cheese blend: 1 ½ cups shredded (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
  • Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Chili powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté 8 10 minutes, until vegetables are just tender. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper cook 1 2 minutes more.
Step 3:
Add black beans and ½ cup enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4:
Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the tortilla pieces over the sauce. Top with half the sweet potato mixture and sprinkle with ½ cup cheese.
Step 5:
Repeat layers add remaining tortillas, sweet potato mixture, and ½ cup more cheese. Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, then finish with the remaining ½ cup cheese.
Step 6:
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden.
Step 7:
Let stand 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve warm.
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Enjoyed regularly at family dinners, this casserole brings everyone together around the table.

Additional Tips

Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and corn tortillas to keep the dish gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with avocado slices, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance flavors.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Vibrant layers of Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Bake topped with fresh cilantro and gooey cheese.  Save
Vibrant layers of Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Bake topped with fresh cilantro and gooey cheese. | forkta.com

This enchilada bake is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure the enchilada sauce contains no animal products for a vegan-friendly version.

What can I add for extra heat?

Incorporate more jalapeño or add chipotle chiles in adobo sauce to increase the spice level.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use corn tortillas and verify that the enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

Can I add meat to this bake?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken can be added for a non-vegetarian variation.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Layering tortillas with sauce and covering with foil while baking helps retain moisture and achieves a bubbly, tender texture.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with avocado slices, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream to complement the flavors.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Bake

Hearty casserole with sweet potatoes, black beans, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese baked to perfection.

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
60 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 4 cups)
02 1 medium red onion, diced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Beans & Grains

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
02 8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters

Sauce & Dairy

01 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade, gluten-free if required)
02 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
03 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 ½ teaspoon chili powder
05 Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Step 03

Combine Beans and Sauce: Add black beans and ½ cup enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 04

Assemble First Layers: Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Distribute half the tortilla quarters over the sauce. Layer with half the sweet potato and bean mixture, then sprinkle with ½ cup cheese.

Step 05

Add Remaining Layers: Repeat layering with remaining tortillas, sweet potato mixture, and ½ cup cheese. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, finishing with the last ½ cup cheese.

Step 06

Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 07

Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until sauce is bubbly and cheese is golden brown.

Step 08

Rest and Garnish: Let stand for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese).
  • Contains corn (tortillas).
  • Ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free if required.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 370
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Protein: 14 g