Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

To make this casserole, you don’t need a ton of ingredients. What you need are wholesome, nutritious, and flavorful items that are easily available at any supermarket. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 can of black beans (about 15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)

How to Make Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole

Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s dive into the steps for making this irresistible Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole. It’s easy, so don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef! You’ll get through it in no time.

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

First, we need to cook the sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin and smoked paprika to add some flavor. Spread them out on the baking sheet in an even layer and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to prepare the rest of the ingredients. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Once the veggies are cooked, add the black beans and corn. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, the sautéed veggies with black beans and corn, and stir everything together. At this point, you can add some more seasoning to taste—more cumin, chili powder, or paprika—whatever suits your taste buds. Then, transfer the mixture into a baking dish.

Top the casserole with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more!

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Now it’s time to bake the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You should see a nice golden crust forming on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added flavor. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.

Now, it’s ready to serve!