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Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro on a white plate.
Layla

Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas

Smoky, hearty enchiladas packed with roasted sweet potato and creamy black beans, all smothered in a tangy homemade sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1.5 lb sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 15 oz black beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.75 tsp salt divided
For the Sauce
  • 3 dried ancho or guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded, or substitute 2 tbsp ancho chile powder
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 cup vegetable broth
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano Mexican if available
For Assembly
  • 8 flour tortillas 8-inch, burrito size
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese shredded, about 2 cups
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Baking Sheet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Roast the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Heat oven to 425F. Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt on a large baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized at the edges, stirring once halfway through. Let cool slightly.
Make the Enchilada Sauce
  1. While potatoes roast, heat a dry medium saucepan over medium heat. Toast the dried chiles for 30 seconds per side until fragrant but not blackened. Add 1 cup water, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let soak for 10 minutes. Transfer chiles and soaking liquid to a blender and puree until smooth. (If using chile powder, skip this step and blend 1/4 cup water with the powder.)
  2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chile puree, vegetable broth, oregano, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt.
Assemble the Enchiladas
  1. Reduce oven to 375F. In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Stir gently to combine without mashing the potatoes completely.
  2. Spread 1/2 cup sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a dry skillet to make them pliable. Working with one at a time, spoon about 1/2 cup filling down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Fit all 8 snugly in a single layer.
  3. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the enchiladas, making sure edges are covered so they don't dry out. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and cheese is melted and spotty golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For a shortcut, use 2 cups of your favorite store-bought red enchilada sauce and skip the dried chile step entirely. The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before assembling. For extra heat, add a minced chipotle in adobo to the filling or use pepper Jack cheese.