Creating meals that are both nutritious and delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. Enter the Sweet Potato Skillet—a colorful, hearty dish that brings together some of the best ingredients nature has to offer. This vibrant recipe is a great choice for meal prep, family dinners, or simply to treat yourself to something healthy and satisfying. Made with sweet potatoes, vegetables, and flavorful spices, the Sweet Potato Skillet invites you to indulge without any guilt.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
One of the main reasons the Sweet Potato Skillet has earned its place in our hearts is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a light vegetarian dish or a filling side! The balance of flavors and textures—from the creamy sweet potatoes to the crunchy bell peppers—creates a delightful eating experience. Plus, it’s packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and plant-based protein. Not only can you adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, but you can also customize it to your taste preferences!
Feeling busy during the week? This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can whip it up in one pan, and it stores well in the fridge. In short, the Sweet Potato Skillet is the kind of recipe that you’ll turn to again and again—not just for its health benefits, but also because it brings simplicity and joy to cooking.
Ingredients about Sweet Potato Skillet
To make your Sweet Potato Skillet, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ red onion, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, chopped into cubes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (optional)
- 1 ounce kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a beautiful medley of flavors and colors. The sweet potato serves as a fantastic base, while the black beans and corn add protein and fiber, making this dish wholesome and fulfilling.
How to Make Sweet Potato Skillet Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the enjoyable and straightforward process of making the Sweet Potato Skillet.
Heat the Oil: Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat and pouring in the olive oil. Give it a moment to heat up.
Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped red onion to the skillet. Stir it gently and allow it to cook for about two minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add Sweet Potatoes and Garlic: Next, toss in the cubed sweet potatoes and minced garlic. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the sweet potatoes are well-coated in the oil and evenly mixed with the onion.
Cook Uncovered: Cook the mixture uncovered for about three minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sweet potatoes to start becoming tender.
Incorporate Bell Peppers: After three minutes, add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking for another two minutes, still uncovered, giving the bell pepper a chance to soften a bit.
Spice It Up: Now, it’s time to kick in some flavor! Add the cumin, chili powder, rinsed black beans, corn, and optional chopped tomato. Give everything a good stir, mixing all the ingredients well.
Simmer It: Reduce the heat slightly, and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook on low heat for around 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes become fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Greens: Once the sweet potatoes are nicely cooked, turn off the heat and add in the chopped kale or spinach if you decided to include them. Stir until they wilt slightly, integrating them into the dish.
Melt the Cheese: If you’re wanting a cheesy finish, sprinkle your desired amount of shredded cheese over the top. Stir until it melts into the warm ingredients of the skillet.
Serve and Store: Your delicious Sweet Potato Skillet is now ready to enjoy! If you plan to store it, divide the contents into three containers. Allow them to cool before covering and placing them in the fridge.
Making the Sweet Potato Skillet is not only easy but also an enjoyable cooking experience. You’ll find that each colorful layer tells the story of fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Skillet
Now that you’ve prepared your delicious Sweet Potato Skillet, it’s time to think about how to serve it. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions.
For a hearty meal, enjoy the skillet straight from the pan. If you’re serving it to family or friends, serve it in individual bowls, and offer toppings on the side. Guests can choose to add extra cheese, fresh herbs, or even a dollop of avocado or sour cream for an extra touch.
You could also pair this skillet with whole-grain tortillas or pita bread, a simple green salad, or some roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. The flavors in the Sweet Potato Skillet fit perfectly into any dining experience, whether casual or more formal.
Leftovers
Are you preparing this for meal prep? The Sweet Potato Skillet stores wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. You can reheat it for lunch or dinner during the week, ensuring you enjoy this nourishing dish again and again.
Expert Tips: Sweet Potato Skillet
To make the most of your Sweet Potato Skillet, consider these helpful tips:
Cutting Sweet Potatoes: When chopping sweet potatoes, try to make the cubes uniform in size. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve the desired tenderness together.
Choosing Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables. Vibrant peppers and garden-fresh spinach can enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
Spice Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices based on your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder or add it gradually to gauge your liking.
Experimenting With Greens: Feel free to swap out kale or spinach for other greens you enjoy, such as Swiss chard or collard greens, for a different taste and nutritional profile.
Adding Protein: If you’re looking to add more protein, consider including diced chicken breast or chickpeas in the recipe. They will blend well with the other ingredients.
These tips can elevate your Sweet Potato Skillet experience and allow you to personalize it to your unique palate.
How to Store Sweet Potato Skillet
Storing your Sweet Potato Skillet is a breeze, making it perfect for meal preparation. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you prefer to store it longer, the Sweet Potato Skillet can be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months. Just remember to label the containers with the date!
Variation of Sweet Potato Skillet
The beauty of the Sweet Potato Skillet lies in its adaptability. Here are a few variations you can try:
Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning and top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a vibrant Mexican twist.
Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean spin. The salty feta complements the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
Curry Infusion: Swap the cumin and chili powder for curry powder and toss in some coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture that takes your skillet in a new direction.
Breakfast Delight: Add eggs to the skillet towards the end of the cooking process and cover with a lid until the eggs are cooked to your liking. This transforms your skillet into a delicious breakfast option.
Experimenting with different flavors and ingredients can transform the Sweet Potato Skillet into a new dining experience every time you make it!
FAQ
What is a Sweet Potato Skillet, and how is it made?
A Sweet Potato Skillet is a nutritious one-pan dish made by sautéing cubed sweet potatoes alongside a mix of vegetables and spices. It typically includes ingredients like black beans, corn, and peppers, and is often topped with cheese or greens. Preparing it is simple: sauté your vegetables, add your seasonings, let it cook, and enjoy!
Can I customize the Sweet Potato Skillet recipe?
Absolutely! The Sweet Potato Skillet is highly customizable. You can adjust spices, swap out vegetables, or add proteins according to your tastes and dietary necessities. This makes it a versatile choice for various meals.
How long does the Sweet Potato Skillet last in the fridge?
When stored properly in airtight containers, the Sweet Potato Skillet will last for about four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it, where it can be stored for up to three months.
Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ red onion chopped
- 1 sweet potato chopped into cubes
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 tsp. cumin
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn canned or frozen
- 1 medium tomato chopped (optional)
- 1 oz. kale or spinach chopped (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped red onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add cubed sweet potatoes and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir to coat.
- Cook uncovered for about 3 minutes until sweet potatoes start to soften.
- Add chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, black beans, corn, and optional tomato. Mix well.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add chopped kale or spinach and stir until wilted.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and stir until melted.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
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