I remember the moment I discovered Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas as a nourishing, delicious meal that felt like a real win in my kitchen. It was a chilly evening after a long day, and I craved comfort food but didn’t want to compromise on what I was putting into my body. I had some sweet potatoes sitting on the counter and a can of black beans in the pantry. Instead of reaching for the usual takeout, I decided to try combining those ingredients into enchiladas, figuring even if it wasn’t perfect, dinner would be ready in under an hour.
To my surprise, those Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas turned out warm, hearty, and so satisfying. The naturally sweet earthiness of the sweet potatoes blended beautifully with the creamy black beans and the zing from homemade enchilada sauce. It felt like a meal that gave me energy rather than weighed me down.
Since then, Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas have become a go-to in my balanced approach to eating. They strike a lovely harmony of nourishing ingredients without feeling overly fussy or time-consuming. I love that they fit into real life—easy to prep for a weeknight dinner or to pack for leftovers that reheat perfectly.
If you, like me, sometimes need simple, feel-good meals packed with flavor and nourishment, I think you’ll really enjoy making Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas your own. It’s a dish that welcomes flexibility, so no pressure or perfection needed here—just good food that feels good. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need:

- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced No stress if you don’t have fresh sweet potatoes. You can use frozen sweet potato cubes instead—you’ll save some peel-and-chop time!
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed You can swap for cooked pinto beans or kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand.
- 8 small whole wheat or corn tortillas Either works for this recipe; I favor whole wheat for added fiber but corn tortillas give a nice traditional touch.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce Store-bought works great to keep things simple, but homemade sauce adds a fresh zing.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend For a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based cheese or simply skip it.
- 1 small onion, diced Makes the filling pop with a little sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced A kitchen essential for this Mexican sweet potato recipe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds warm, earthy depth.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder Adjust this to taste for more or less heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste I always recommend tasting as you go!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the filling.
Shopping tip: You’ll find fresh sweet potatoes right in the produce section. Canned beans and enchilada sauce are usually in the canned goods aisle.
Budget-friendly note: This Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas recipe keeps costs down by using affordable pantry staples like beans and staples like sweet potatoes that go a long way.
Prep shortcut: For busy nights, roast sweet potatoes in advance or use pre-diced frozen versions to shave off time.
Storage tip: Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of water to keep them moist.
I love adding extra chopped cilantro on top after baking for a fresh burst of brightness!
Let’s Make It Together!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you perfect baking temperature by the time the filling is ready.
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, turning once. Your Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas filling starts off with tender, caramelized sweet potatoes that bring a cozy touch.
- While those roast, cook the aromatics: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder: Stir for about 30 seconds to wake up those spices, filling your kitchen with inviting scents.
- Stir in black beans and roasted sweet potatoes: Mix everything together gently, and season with salt and pepper. This mix is the heart of your Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas filling.
- Warm the tortillas: To prevent cracking, warm tortillas on a skillet or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Fill and roll: Spoon about ⅓ cup of the sweet potato and black bean mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top enchiladas with sauce and cheese: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. If you want a dairy-free or vegan baked enchiladas with beans version, just skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast.
- Bake: Pop your assembled Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas into the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on the edges. Your kitchen should smell delightful now!
- Serve warm: Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets nicely.
In my kitchen, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas usually takes about 50 minutes from start to finish. Busy weeknights are no sweat—grab a simple salad to toss while they bake.
Don’t worry if your enchiladas look a little rustic or uneven. That imperfect charm is part of their homemade appeal and means you’re cooking from your heart!
How I Love to Serve This!

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas becomes a complete meal when I add a crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette or some simple roasted veggies. Avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top bring creamy contrast that feels just right.
For a Mexican sweet potato recipe twist, I sometimes add fresh corn kernels or diced bell peppers into the filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially with friends who love a colorful plate.
Leftover Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas reheat beautifully and make wonderful packed lunches. Sometimes I serve them alongside my homemade green bean casserole for a veggie boost—you can check that easy recipe at Just Healthy Bites.
When family comes over, these enchiladas always get compliments. They feel special enough for guests but aren’t complicated or intimidating. Perfect for relaxed weekends or cozy weeknight dinners.
A practical presentation tip: garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This lets the flavors marinate in a way that’s even tastier.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas?
No worries! Swap black beans for a can of black-eyed peas or chickpeas. Missing cumin? Smoked paprika or coriander can add a nice tweak. It’s all about making it work for you.
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes! Bake them first, cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen, adding a little extra bake time.
How spicy is this recipe?
Mild to medium—you can always dial chili powder up or down depending on your family’s heat preference.
Are Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes, and they’re easily made vegan by skipping cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas instead of wheat to keep it gluten-free and just as tasty.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
If you’re curious about variations, check out some other Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas inspirations by Cookie and Kate, The Girl Who Ate Everything’s version, or Cupful of Kale’s black bean and sweet potato enchiladas for different takes.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas have become a staple that feels just right in my kitchen routine. They’re approachable, nourishing, and easy enough to whip up any day of the week without fuss.
My Favorite Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas Tips:
– Roast sweet potatoes separately for that perfect texture.
– Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent breakage.
– Add fresh garnishes like cilantro or avocado for brightness.
I’ve also enjoyed spicy versions with chipotle in adobo and milder ones with extra cheese added on top. The classic baked Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas remain my most frequent return.
Wrap these enchiladas in whatever feels good for you—tweak spices, swap beans, or go cheese-free. This is a dish that welcomes your kitchen creativity.
I hope making Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas fills your kitchen with nourishing aromas and your table with comfort. Try it out, share with loved ones, and enjoy every bite of your home-cooked success.
For more easy meals that nourish without stress, you might love my Crockpot Potato Pea Curry or Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes too—both simple, satisfying, and great for feeding friends or yourself on busy days.
Happy cooking, fellow home cooks!
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas
Delicious and hearty Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas combine creamy roasted sweet potatoes and protein-rich black beans wrapped in tortillas, baked in a flavorful enchilada sauce. This nutritious Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream or avocado slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, diced red onion, and minced garlic. Mix gently.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon the sweet potato and black bean mixture evenly onto each tortilla and sprinkle with some shredded cheese. Roll up each tortilla and place seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream or avocado slices if desired.
Notes
For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the filling or top with hot sauce before serving.

