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Southwest Black Bean Skillet Recipe

Southwest Black Bean Skillet Recipe

4.7 from 13 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Southwest Black Bean Skillet featuring tender sweet potatoes, smoky black beans, and zesty salsa simmered with rice and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight meal that brings vibrant Southwestern flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet, combine the rice, salsa, diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, diced green chilies with their juice, chili powder, and chicken or vegetable broth. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  2. Simmer: Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
  3. Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered, allowing the ingredients to rest for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Then, remove the cover and fluff the mixture carefully with a fork. Stir in the fresh lime juice and sliced green onions, adjusting seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Melt Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the skillet mixture. Cover again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey layer.
  5. Serve: Garnish the skillet with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot for a comforting and delicious Southwest-inspired meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but increase cooking time accordingly.
  • For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
  • Adding a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices as toppings complements the flavors well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest Black Bean Skillet, black beans, sweet potatoes, skillet recipes, vegetarian, one-pot meals, quick dinners, Mexican-inspired