Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas

Julia

These Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas bring together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy richness of black beans, all wrapped in tender corn tortillas and smothered in a smoky enchilada sauce. This dish takes inspiration from traditional Mexican cuisine while offering a completely vegetarian and gluten-free twist that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of flavor or satisfaction.

The magic happens when cubed sweet potatoes are roasted until caramelized and tender, then combined with seasoned black beans, corn, and a blend of warm spices including cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. The filling is generously stuffed into gluten-free corn tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that appeal to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

What makes these enchiladas truly special is how they manage to be both indulgent comfort food and genuinely nutritious. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, while black beans add plant-based protein and additional fiber. The dish is naturally gluten-free when made with corn tortillas, making it accessible to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and can be customized with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or hosting friends for dinner, these enchiladas deliver every time. They can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making day-two enchiladas even more delicious than the first serving.

Nutrition

1 hour 10 minutes
None servings
425 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 58.00g
Protein 16.00g

Ingredients

2 lbssweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tbspolive oil, divided
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper
2 cans (15 oz each)black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cupcorn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 mediumred onion, diced
3 clovesgarlic, minced
2 tspground cumin
1 tspchili powder
1 tspsmoked paprika
3 cupsenchilada sauce, gluten-free
12 small (6-inch)corn tortillas, gluten-free
2 cupsshredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/4 cupfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1 Nonelime, cut into wedges (optional)
1/2 cupsour cream, for serving (optional)
1 Noneavocado, sliced (optional)

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Oven
wooden spoon or spatula
aluminum foil
chef's knife
can opener
measuring cups and spoons
large baking sheet
9x13-inch baking dish
large skillet
microwave

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 approach with nutrient-dense whole foods comprising the majority—sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, vegetables, and olive oil—while the cheese and tortillas represent the smaller, less restrictive portion. The emphasis remains on fiber-rich, vitamin-packed ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and minimally processed.

Clean Eating

These enchiladas align with clean eating principles by using whole, recognizable ingredients like fresh sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and vegetables, with olive oil as a healthy fat and minimal processing. The recipe avoids artificial ingredients and focuses on nutrient-dense whole foods in their natural state.

Flexitarian Diet

These enchiladas exemplify flexitarian eating with their plant-forward approach, featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn as the main components while the cheese can be used in moderation or made optional, emphasizing whole, minimally processed ingredients.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using corn tortillas and gluten-free enchilada sauce, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. All main ingredients—sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and vegetables—are naturally gluten-free whole foods.

Intermittent Fasting

These enchiladas are ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing nutrient-dense whole foods with complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, plant-based protein from black beans, and healthy fats from olive oil and avocado to support stable blood sugar and sustained energy throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating by offering a satisfying, balanced meal that honors both nutrition and pleasure without restriction or guilt. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with varied textures creates an enjoyable eating experience that respects hunger cues and satisfaction.

Mindful Eating

These enchiladas are perfect for mindful eating with their diverse textures (tender sweet potatoes, creamy beans, crispy corn), vibrant colors (orange, black, red, green), and aromatic spices that engage multiple senses. The whole food ingredients and complex flavor profile encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Vegetarian Diet

This recipe is completely vegetarian, featuring plant-based proteins from black beans and legumes, dairy cheese for additional protein, and no meat, poultry, fish, or seafood. The sweet potatoes, corn, and vegetables provide a nutritionally balanced and satisfying meal.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2

Spread the diced sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2 min
3

Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.

30 min
4

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

1 min
5
5 min

Add the diced red onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

6
1 min

Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

7
4 min

Add the black beans and corn to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.

8

Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the bean mixture. Stir gently to combine all the filling ingredients. Remove from heat.

1 min
9

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

10

Spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

1 min
11

Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel, or briefly over a gas flame, to make them pliable and easier to roll.

1 min
12

Take one tortilla and spoon about 1/3 cup of the sweet potato and black bean filling down the center. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of shredded cheese.

13

Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.

5 min
14

Pour the remaining 2 cups of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they're all covered.

1 min
15

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.

16

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

20 min
17

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

10 min
18

Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5 min
19

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side if desired.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions