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Healthy Sweet Potato Skillet Meal (Easy & Delicious)

Healthy Sweet Potato Skillet Meal (Easy & Delicious)

A hearty one-skillet vegetarian dinner featuring tender sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, peppers, and spinach in a smoky, lightly spiced sauce. Finish each serving with cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pepper Red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Sauce and Beans
  • 1 14 to 15-ounce can Diced tomatoes, preferably with juices
  • 1/2 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 15-ounce can Black beans, drained and rinsed
Greens and Garnish
  • 2 cups Baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime Lime, cut into wedges

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cubed sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 1 minute so the garlic and spices become fragrant without browning too much.
  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cover the skillet and cook for 12 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If the pan looks dry before the potatoes are cooked, add a small splash of vegetable broth.
  5. Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and the tomato mixture to thicken slightly.
  6. Fold in the baby spinach, if using, and cook just until the leaves wilt into the skillet. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot with the remaining lime wedges for individual seasoning.

Notes

Cut the sweet potatoes no larger than 1/2 inch so they cook evenly. Keep the skillet covered during the simmer to trap steam and soften the potatoes efficiently. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.