Sweet Potato Black Bean Kale

Featured in: One-Pot Meals

This one-pan dish combines tender roasted sweet potatoes with protein-rich black beans and robust kale, all layered in corn tortillas and gently baked with zesty enchilada sauce and melted cheese. The preparation is straightforward, with the vegetables seasoned and roasted before assembly, ensuring a flavorful meal that's both hearty and wholesome. Optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges add vibrant freshness, perfect for an easy and satisfying main course.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:16:00 GMT
Golden-brown edges on the one-pan sweet potato, black bean & kale enchiladas, ready to serve with fresh garnishes. Save
Golden-brown edges on the one-pan sweet potato, black bean & kale enchiladas, ready to serve with fresh garnishes. | whisknjoy.com

A vibrant, nourishing twist on classic enchiladas, featuring roasted sweet potatoes, protein-rich black beans, and hearty kale, all baked together in one pan with zesty enchilada sauce and melty cheese.

When I began making these enchiladas, I was searching for a weeknight dinner that would satisfy everyone while being simple to prepare and nourishing. The combination of sweet potatoes, black beans, and kale quickly became a household favorite for its flavor and vibrant colors.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
  • Kale: 2 cups, chopped, tough stems removed
  • Red onion: 1 small, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Enchilada sauce: 2 cups (480 ml), store-bought or homemade
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small (GF if needed)
  • Shredded cheese: 1½ cups (170 g), cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced avocado: for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges: for garnish (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare Dish:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Toss Vegetables:
In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes, chopped kale, red onion, and garlic with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Roast Veggie Mixture:
Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the skillet. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sweet potatoes are just tender.
Add Beans & Sauce:
Remove the skillet from the oven. Add black beans and ½ cup enchilada sauce to the vegetables and mix gently.
Warm Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas briefly to make them pliable (microwave or dry pan).
Fill & Roll:
Spoon about ⅓ cup filling onto each tortilla, roll up, and nestle seam-side down in the skillet on top of the remaining filling.
Add Sauce & Cheese:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake:
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve warm.
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| whisknjoy.com

My family loves to gather around the table when I serve these enchiladas, with everyone adding their favorite garnishes and making each plate unique. It has become a comfort dish that brings us together and is always met with requests for seconds.

Required Tools

Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, mixing bowl, cutting board and knife, spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese), gluten if using flour tortillas. Check labels for additional allergens and substitute as needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 430, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 64 g, Protein 15 g

Smoky aromas of roasted veggies infuse these one-pan sweet potato, black bean & kale enchiladas, topped with melted cheese. Save
Smoky aromas of roasted veggies infuse these one-pan sweet potato, black bean & kale enchiladas, topped with melted cheese. | whisknjoy.com

This dish is delicious served fresh out of the oven and reheats well the next day. Enjoy sharing it with loved ones!

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely for a vegan-friendly version.

What are good substitutes for kale?

Spinach or Swiss chard work well as alternatives, providing similar texture and nutrients.

How can I add extra heat to this dish?

Add diced jalapeño peppers during the vegetable mixing step to incorporate spicy flavor.

Are gluten-free tortillas suitable for this dish?

Yes, using certified gluten-free corn or flour tortillas keeps the dish gluten-free and delicious.

What wine pairs well with this meal?

A light red wine or a crisp Mexican lager complements the bold flavors beautifully.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking, then bake when ready to serve.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Kale

A nourishing bake with sweet potatoes, black beans, kale, zesty sauce, and creamy cheese in one dish.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification One-Pot Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Mexican-inspired

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (approximately 3 cups)
02 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
03 1 small red onion, diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans

01 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon chili powder
03 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

Assembly

01 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
02 8 small corn or flour tortillas (gluten-free optional)
03 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Garnishes (optional)

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Sliced avocado
03 Lime wedges
04 Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

Stage 02

Toss vegetables with seasonings: In a large bowl, combine diced sweet potatoes, chopped kale, red onion, and garlic with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Stage 03

Roast vegetable mixture: Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared skillet. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Stage 04

Add beans and sauce: Remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in black beans and ½ cup of enchilada sauce gently into the roasted vegetables.

Stage 05

Warm tortillas: Briefly warm the tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet until pliable.

Stage 06

Assemble enchiladas: Spoon approximately ⅓ cup of filling onto each tortilla, roll them up, and nestle seam-side down in the skillet atop the remaining filling.

Stage 07

Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Stage 08

Bake enchiladas: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Stage 09

Garnish and serve: Top with cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Serve warm.

Necessary tools

  • Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains dairy if cheese is included. Gluten present if using flour tortillas; opt for certified gluten-free tortillas to avoid gluten.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 430
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Proteins: 15 g