Name: One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 1 cup salsa; 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 ¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 green onions, sliced; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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As you lean closer to the stove, the irresistible aroma of spices fills the air, mingling with the rich scent of sautéed sweet potatoes and melting cheese. The vibrant colors of this One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet dance in a medley of orange, green, and deep black, promising a comforting meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. Each spoonful delivers a delightful burst of flavor, with tender rice absorbing a zesty salsa-infused broth, topped with creamy cheddar and fresh cilantro for that final pop of freshness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet

I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly evening, and I had friends over for a casual dinner. Just as the sun dipped below the horizon, I pulled the skillet off the stove, and we gathered around the table. The laughter and warmth filled my kitchen, and each bite ignited memories of sunny southwestern flavors. Now, this simple yet satisfying One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet always reminds me of those delightful moments. I can’t wait for you to discover this recipe—let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 25 minutes of cook time, this meal is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, black beans, and zesty salsa creates a taste sensation that feels like a warm hug.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The pop of colors makes this dish as fun to look at as it is to eat—perfect for impressing guests!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main dish, side, or even for lunch the next day; it’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or vegan by substituting the cheese and using vegetable broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: This variety cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the dish.
1 cup salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for a flavor that’s just right for you—medium or hot for those who like a kick!
2 cups sweet potato, peeled and diced: Sweet potatoes add a creaminess and natural sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Rich in protein, black beans are the perfect hearty addition to this skillet.
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained: These chiles add a subtle heat and depth, enhancing the southwestern flavors.
1 tablespoon chili powder: This gives the dish a warm, earthy flavor—feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
1 ¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth: Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option while packing in flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The classic choice that melts beautifully, adding a rich, gooey layer to your skillet.
2 green onions, sliced: Fresh and crisp, they provide a nice crunch and a pop of color on top.
Juice of 1 lime: A squeeze of lime at the end brightens the flavors and adds freshness.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: Cilantro gives a lively finishing touch—feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors; always season to your preference.

How to Make One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet

Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet, combine the uncooked rice, salsa, diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, undrained green chiles, chili powder, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together so that the rice is evenly coated with the salsa and spices. This sets the foundation for a flavorful broth that will cook the rice to perfection.

Bring to a Boil: Cover the skillet with a lid and place it over high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil. This process should take just a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overflow, and once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. This will allow the flavors to meld as it simmers gently.

Simmer & Rest: Let the skillet simmer for 15 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to become tender and the rice to absorb the broth, becoming perfectly fluffy. After 15 minutes, remove the skillet from heat but leave it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting time will ensure that all remaining moisture is absorbed.

Lighten It Up: Carefully uncover the skillet and fluff the rice mixture using a fork. Add the lime juice and sliced green onions and gently stir to combine. This brightens everything up! Taste and season with kosher salt and pepper to your preference, enhancing the balance of flavors.

Melt the Cheese: Top the rice and veggie mixture with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet again and let it rest for a few minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. The lovely cheesy crust adds an irresistible richness to the dish.

Garnish & Serve: Once the cheese is melted, simply sprinkle the skillet with fresh cilantro before serving. The vibrant green adds a burst of freshness, contrasting perfectly with the warm, hearty dish. Serve it hot and enjoy a delightful, comforting meal that was made in just one pot!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. For longer storage, this One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Just a reminder: while the flavors will still be delightful, the texture of the sweet potatoes may change slightly upon reheating, but a little bit of lime juice can help refresh its vibrancy!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the skillet; if your skillet is too small, consider splitting the recipe into two.
To save time, use leftover rice or pre-cooked sweet potatoes for a quicker cook.
Adjust your spices! If you like things spicy, consider adding extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
For a creamy twist, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving.
If you want to prep ahead, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Don’t skip the resting time after simmering; this allows the rice to absorb all that savory goodness.

There you have it—a delicious and straightforward One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its lively flavors and warm textures, this dish invites you to gather around the table, share stories, and savor every bite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients; perhaps add in some corn or your favorite peppers. Enjoy this delightful Mexican-inspired dish and celebrate the joy of wholesome cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! To turn your One-Pot Southwest Black Bean Skillet into a vegan delight, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based and will keep the flavors intact!

What can I serve with this skillet?

This skillet stands well on its own, but you can serve it with a side of guacamole, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s also fantastic topped with avocado, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are cooked?

You can tell the sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender. Simply poke a piece with a fork, and if it breaks apart easily, you’re good to go! You can adjust cooking time based on the size of your dice.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just remember that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on what you add, so watch closely until everything is tender.