Name: Southwest Black Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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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Introduction

This Southwest Black Bean Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices, it’s both comforting and nutritious. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy bold southwestern flavors at home.

A black cast iron pan filled with a colorful dish showing a mix of several layers: the bottom layer consists of soft cooked rice with some black beans scattered evenly throughout, the middle layer has vibrant bright orange cubes of cooked butternut squash, and the top layer is covered with melted light yellow cheese that looks stretchy and slightly browned in spots. Small green herb bits are sprinkled lightly on top, adding a fresh contrast to the rich colors below. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, making the vivid colors pop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, combine the rice, salsa, diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced green chiles (with juice), chili powder, and broth.
Step 2: Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking.
Step 4: Uncover and fluff the rice mixture with a fork. Stir in the lime juice and sliced green onions. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add a diced jalapeño for extra heat if you like it spicy.
Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes for different texture and flavor.
For a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. The cheese topping may become less melty after reheating but will still add great flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a black skillet filled with a colorful dish made of rice, black beans, and bright orange sweet potato cubes. The rice is fluffy and light brown, mixed well with the black beans which add small dark spots throughout. The sweet potato cubes are soft with a slightly roasted look, sitting on top and throughout the dish. Melted cheese covers most of the top layer, giving it a creamy, golden texture that stretches slightly over the beans and sweet potatoes. Small green herbs are sprinkled on the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but since brown rice takes longer to cook, you may need to increase the simmering time and the amount of broth accordingly. Alternatively, pre-cook the brown rice before adding it to the skillet.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on broth and salsa to confirm they don’t contain gluten if you have a sensitivity.