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Hearty Black Bean Casserole

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This black bean casserole is a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Made with tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a medley of Mexican-inspired spices like smoked paprika and cumin, this one-skillet meal is layered with flavor. Topped with gooey melted cheddar and garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and scallions, it offers a nutritious and satisfying experience. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, it combines texture, protein, and vibrant colors in every bite. Pair with a side salad or enjoy as a standalone dish that's sure to please everyone.

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Ranah
Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 21:58:35 GMT
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Black Bean Casserole Pin it
Black Bean Casserole | lifesugar.co

This hearty black bean casserole has been my weeknight savior for years, combining satisfying protein with vibrant vegetables in one delicious dish that even picky eaters love.

I first created this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something nutritious but didn't have time for elaborate cooking. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans quickly became a family favorite that everyone requests regularly.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: Creates the perfect base for sautéing your vegetables to develop deep flavor
  • Red onion: Adds a pleasant mild sharpness that balances the sweet potatoes beautifully
  • Bell pepper: Brings color and vitamin C to your casserole
  • Sweet potatoes: Provide natural sweetness and hearty texture that makes this dish filling
  • Garlic cloves: Infuse aromatic depth throughout the dish
  • Jalapeño: Delivers a gentle heat that enlivens the entire casserole
  • Smoked paprika: Contributes rich smokiness that makes the vegetarian dish taste substantial
  • Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth essential for Mexican inspired flavors
  • Dried oregano: Brings herbaceous notes that complement the beans perfectly
  • Black beans: Provide substantial protein and fiber making this truly satisfying
  • Diced tomatoes: Create a juicy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful
  • Sweetcorn: Pops with natural sweetness against the savory elements
  • Low fat cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible golden topping while keeping calories reasonable

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start the Base:
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 2 minutes until the onion begins to turn translucent. This aromatic foundation builds essential flavor for the entire dish.
Add Sweet Potatoes:
Incorporate sweet potato pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for them to begin softening but not fully cook through. The sweet potatoes will continue cooking in later steps, so this initial softening is just the first stage.
Develop Flavor Profile:
Mix in garlic and jalapeño, cooking for one additional minute until you can smell their fragrance releasing. Then add all your spices—smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper. Allow them to toast slightly for about 30 seconds, which blooms their flavors and creates more complexity in the final dish.
Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to be ready for the final melting stage.
Combine Main Ingredients:
Pour in diced tomatoes, black beans, and sweetcorn. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check that sweet potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork. If the mixture looks too dry, simply add a small splash of water to maintain moisture.
Create Cheesy Topping:
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly across the top of your mixture. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt completely and develop a light golden color on top.
Final Touches:
Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving. This resting period helps flavors meld and makes serving easier. Just before bringing to the table, garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and chopped scallions for bright flavor and visual appeal.
Easy Black Bean Casserole. Pin it
Easy Black Bean Casserole. | lifesugar.co

The sweet potatoes make this dish truly special for me. I discovered their magic in this recipe when trying to find a healthier alternative to traditional casseroles. Their natural sweetness creates perfect balance with the savory beans and spices, and my children actually request extra sweet potatoes whenever I make this.

Make It Ahead

This casserole works wonderfully as a meal prep option. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding cheese, then refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply top with cheese and bake until hot throughout and golden on top. The flavors actually improve after a day as the spices have more time to meld together.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this black bean casserole with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a complete meal. For heartier appetites, warm corn tortillas make excellent accompaniments, allowing diners to scoop up portions of the casserole. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top provides creamy contrast to the spices.

Black Bean Casserole Recipe. Pin it
Black Bean Casserole Recipe. | lifesugar.co

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. No sweet potatoes? Butternut squash works beautifully instead. For a spicier version, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Plant based eaters can substitute vegan cheese or simply omit it entirely the casserole remains delicious without cheese, especially with sliced avocado on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?

Feel free to substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash, regular potatoes, or even zucchini for a different flavor and texture.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from the jalapeño. If you'd like less spice, you can omit the jalapeño or remove its seeds for a milder option.

→ What garnishes work well with this casserole?

Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and chopped scallions are great options. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or crushed tortilla chips.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply use a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Black Bean Casserole Dish

Cozy black bean dish with sweet potatoes and cheddar, bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
03 1 medium bell pepper, diced, any color
04 ½ lb (225 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
05 4 garlic cloves, finely diced
06 ½ jalapeño, finely diced
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 ½ teaspoon salt
11 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
13 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
14 1 can (7 oz / 200 g) sweetcorn, drained and rinsed
15 1 ½ cups (175 g) low-fat cheddar cheese, grated
16 Fresh cilantro, avocado, and scallions, to garnish

Instructions

Step 01

In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and bell pepper, and sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion softens.

Step 02

Stir in the sweet potato pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 03

Mix in the garlic and jalapeño, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds to let the spices bloom.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 05

Pour in the diced tomatoes, and add the black beans and sweetcorn. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. If the mixture appears too dry, add a splash of water.

Step 06

Evenly distribute the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and developed a light golden color.

Step 07

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro, and add slices of avocado and chopped scallions just before serving.

Notes

  1. If the mixture appears too dry while cooking, add a splash of water to prevent burning.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large ovenproof skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater for cheese

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 175
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 12 g