Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Guacamole and Vegan Sour Cream

Name: Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking); Black Bean Filling; 1½ cups cooked black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped); ½ cup sweet corn; ⅓ cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped); ¼ cup red onion (finely diced); 1 garlic clove (minced); Juice of ½ lime; 2 teaspoons olive oil; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; Pinch of black pepper; Pinch of chili flakes (optional); Simple Guacamole; 1 ripe avocado; 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice; Pinch of sea salt; Vegan Sour Cream Drizzle; ⅓ cup plain coconut yogurt; ½ teaspoon lime juice; Pinch of sea salt

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Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a wholesome, flavor-forward vegan dish that brings together comfort, nutrition, and simplicity in one satisfying meal. Built on a base of oven-roasted sweet potatoes, this recipe layers seasoned black beans, fresh vegetables, creamy guacamole, and a tangy dairy-free sour cream drizzle to create a balanced and deeply satisfying plant-based dinner.

This dish is designed for both nourishment and enjoyment. Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and hearty texture, while black beans contribute protein and fiber. Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and red onion add brightness, preventing the dish from feeling heavy. The final toppings—simple guacamole and vegan sour cream—add creaminess without overpowering the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Whether served as a weeknight dinner, meal prep staple, or casual gathering dish, Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes offer a reliable, flexible option that fits effortlessly into a healthy vegan lifestyle.

Stuffed sweet potatoes have become a cornerstone of modern plant-based cooking. Their versatility, affordability, and nutritional value make them an ideal canvas for a wide range of flavors. In vegan cuisine, sweet potatoes often replace grains or breads as a hearty base that delivers comfort while remaining naturally gluten-free.

Black beans are a foundational ingredient in Latin American and Mexican-inspired cooking, valued for their protein density, creamy texture, and ability to absorb seasoning. When paired with sweet potatoes, they create a complementary balance of sweet and savory flavors that feels complete without requiring animal products.

This recipe reflects contemporary plant-based cooking principles: minimal processing, bold natural flavors, and intentional ingredient pairing. It embraces freshness while remaining practical and accessible for everyday cooking.

Appeal

Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes appeal to a wide range of eaters due to their versatility and balance.

They are especially appealing to:

Vegans and vegetarians seeking filling, protein-rich meals
Health-conscious cooks looking for whole-food recipes
Gluten-free eaters needing naturally compliant options
Busy households wanting easy, customizable dinners

The dish is visually appealing, nutritionally balanced, and adaptable to different preferences. It can be served casually or plated intentionally, making it suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes is layered and balanced.

Sweet: Roasted sweet potatoes offer caramelized natural sweetness
Savory: Black beans and garlic ground the dish with depth
Fresh: Lime juice, cilantro, and tomatoes brighten each bite
Creamy: Avocado and vegan sour cream add richness
Subtle Heat: Optional chili flakes provide gentle warmth

Each component enhances the others, resulting in a dish that feels comforting without being heavy.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Layering

This recipe builds flavor intentionally at every stage:

Roasting concentrates sweetness in the potatoes
Lime juice and salt enhance bean flavor
Fresh herbs lift the dish
Creamy elements soften acidity and spice

Each layer is distinct yet cohesive.

Technique

The techniques used are simple but effective:

Baking sweet potatoes whole preserves moisture
Tossing beans gently prevents texture breakdown
Minimal mashing keeps toppings fresh and clean

Cooking Logic

Sweet potatoes act as both vessel and main component, eliminating the need for grains or breads. The filling remains uncooked, preserving freshness and reducing preparation time. Creamy toppings are added last to maintain contrast and structure.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Vegan Dinner / Healthy Comfort Food
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Plant-Based

Ingredient Breakdown

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes form the foundation of the dish. Their natural sweetness balances savory toppings, and their dense texture makes them ideal for stuffing.

Black Beans

Black beans provide plant-based protein and fiber. Rinsing removes excess sodium and improves overall flavor clarity.

Cherry Tomatoes

Tomatoes add acidity and juiciness, preventing the filling from tasting dry or dense.

Sweet Corn

Corn introduces sweetness and texture, complementing both beans and sweet potatoes.

Red Onion

Finely diced red onion adds sharpness and aromatic complexity without overpowering the dish.

Garlic

Garlic deepens flavor and enhances savory notes in the filling.

Cilantro

Cilantro contributes freshness and herbal brightness. It should be finely chopped for even distribution.

Lime Juice

Lime juice balances sweetness and adds acidity, tying the components together.

Avocado

Avocado provides healthy fats and creamy texture, softening sharper flavors.

Coconut Yogurt

Plain coconut yogurt mimics traditional sour cream, adding tang and creaminess while remaining dairy-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick sweet potatoes with a fork, coat lightly with olive oil, and bake until fork-tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Black Bean Filling

Combine black beans, tomatoes, corn, cilantro, red onion, and garlic in a bowl. Add lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Toss gently.

Step 3: Make the Guacamole

Mash avocado with lime juice and sea salt until smooth but slightly chunky.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegan Sour Cream

Mix coconut yogurt with lime juice and salt until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble

Slice baked sweet potatoes open, fluff the interiors, add black bean filling, top with guacamole, and drizzle with vegan sour cream.

Texture and Flavor Profile

This dish offers contrast in every bite:

Soft, fluffy sweet potatoes
Creamy avocado and yogurt
Firm beans and crisp vegetables

The result is satisfying without heaviness.

Tips for Best Results

Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes
Roast until fully tender to avoid dryness
Add toppings just before serving
Taste and adjust lime and salt gradually

Variations

Add roasted bell peppers or zucchini
Include quinoa for extra protein
Swap black beans for pinto beans
Add smoked paprika or cumin
Top with pickled jalapeños

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad
Pair with roasted vegetables
Add tortilla chips for crunch
Serve as part of a vegan bowl spread

Storage and Reheating

Store components separately for best texture.

Refrigerate up to 4 days
Reheat sweet potatoes in oven or microwave
Add fresh toppings after reheating

Nutrition Overview

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 370 kcal
High in fiber and plant protein
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
Rich in vitamins A and C

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it oil-free?
Yes. Skip oil and roast potatoes directly on parchment.

Can I use canned corn?
Yes, drain thoroughly before using.

Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a clear example of how simple, whole ingredients can come together to create a meal that is nourishing, satisfying, and deeply comforting. This recipe delivers bold flavor, balanced nutrition, and visual appeal while remaining approachable and adaptable.

Whether you are preparing a healthy vegan dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving a crowd, this dish offers reliability and flexibility without sacrificing taste. It is a recipe designed to become a staple—one that proves plant-based cooking can be both hearty and deeply enjoyable.