Welcome to a recipe that has stolen hearts (and taste buds) for over a decade! These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls are not just a meal; they’re an experience, consistently ranking as my absolute favorite. Imagine a vibrant bowl filled with perfectly fluffy rice, tender roasted sweet potatoes and bell peppers, hearty black beans, and creamy avocado, all brought together by an irresistible, zesty sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Craving more delicious and wholesome bowl ideas? Explore other fan favorites like my Buddha Bowl, Grain Bowl, and Nourish Bowl for more plant-powered inspiration.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls with dressing drizzled over it.

Contents

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls: Your Ultimate Vegetarian Delight

This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowl recipe is a true champion in our household. It ticks all the boxes: it’s incredibly quick to prepare, bursting with veggie-packed goodness, and deeply satisfying – all without needing any meat. The magic happens when fluffy grains meet perfectly roasted vegetables and savory black beans, all elevated by a truly delicious, creamy sauce. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet yet is simple enough for any weeknight.

To truly elevate your black bean burrito bowl experience, don’t skimp on the toppings! A generous scoop of fresh, ripe avocado, a squeeze of bright lime, a sprinkle of fragrant cilantro, and a few slices of jalapeños (if you’re a fan of a little heat) will transform this dish into an unforgettable culinary treat.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Burrito Bowls

There are countless reasons why these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls have become a staple. Here are just a few:

A Consistent Dinner Favorite: Seriously, these Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burrito Bowls are always a resounding success. They’re the kind of meal everyone looks forward to, making dinner time a breeze and a delight.
Effortlessly Easy to Make: Designed for modern life, this recipe is quick and straightforward, perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Hearty, Wholesome, & Incredibly Filling: Despite being entirely meat-free, these bowls are incredibly satisfying. The combination of complex carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes and grains, protein from the black beans, and healthy fats from the avocado keeps you full and energized.
Fantastic for Leftovers & Meal Prep: This dish is a meal prepper’s dream! The components hold up beautifully, making it perfect for packing delicious and healthy lunches for the next day, saving you time and money.
Customizable Heat Levels: Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, this recipe can be easily adjusted. Add more peppers or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for spice, or keep it mild for a family-friendly option.
Nutrient-Dense & Delicious: Beyond being tasty, these bowls are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a smart choice for your overall health and well-being.
Versatile & Adaptable: Easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy these bowls year-round.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls including diced sweet potatoes, canned black beans, sliced peppers, halved avocado, and sliced jalapenos, halved limes, and a bowl of dressing.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Crafting the perfect Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowl starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some tips for selection:

Grains (The Foundation): While fluffy white or brown rice is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment! Quinoa adds a complete protein boost, couscous offers a lighter texture, and farro brings a delightful chewiness. Any cooked grain works wonderfully as the base for these vegetarian burrito bowls.
Sweet Potatoes (The Star): Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any soft spots or blemishes. For optimal cooking and flavor, wash them thoroughly, and you can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. Chop them into even, 1-inch pieces to ensure they roast uniformly and become beautifully tender with caramelized edges.
Red Bell Peppers (Colorful & Sweet): Choose vibrant, shiny red bell peppers that feel heavy for their size, indicating freshness. Slice them evenly to ensure consistent roasting alongside the sweet potatoes. Red bell peppers add a wonderful sweetness and crisp-tender texture to the bowl.
Olive Oil (For Roasting & Flavor): A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for roasting vegetables. It helps them caramelize, prevents sticking, and adds a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Spices (Flavor Powerhouses): Fresh spices make all the difference! We use paprika and chili powder to season our roasted veggies, providing a smoky, earthy depth. Always check the freshness of your spice cabinet; older spices lose their potency.
Black Beans (Protein & Fiber): Canned black beans are a convenient and healthy choice. Always remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly to wash off excess sodium and any starchy liquid. For an extra layer of flavor and nutrition, consider making your own homemade black beans from scratch!

For the Irresistible Creamy Dressing

The dressing is the secret weapon in these burrito bowls, bringing all the flavors together with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. Made with simple ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to whisk up:

Mayonnaise (The Creamy Base): For the best texture and flavor, opt for a full-fat mayonnaise. Brands like Best Foods/Hellmann’s® deliver that rich, creamy consistency that makes the dressing so decadent.
Fresh Lime Juice and Zest (Bright & Zesty): Freshly squeezed lime juice and a touch of zest are non-negotiable! They provide a bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness and truly makes the flavors pop. Bottled lime juice simply doesn’t compare.
Ground Cumin (Earthy Warmth): This spice adds an essential earthy, warm undertone that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Paprika & Chili Powder (Depth of Flavor): These spices build on the flavor profile, adding more warmth and a subtle smoky note to the dressing.
Sriracha (Adjustable Heat): A touch of Sriracha gives the dressing a fantastic kick. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference – use less for a mild dressing or more for a bolder, spicier one.

Sweet potatoes and bell peppers seasoned with spices and drizzled with oil, roasting in the oven.

Fresh Toppings: The Finishing Touch

Toppings are where these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls truly shine, adding layers of fresh flavor and texture. Here’s what you need to pick up:

Cilantro: Choose cilantro with bright green, vibrant leaves. It adds a fresh, herbaceous note that’s essential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
Lime: Select limes that feel heavy for their size, indicating they’re juicy. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice over your assembled bowl brightens everything up.
Avocado: Look for avocados that are slightly soft when gently squeezed, but not mushy. They offer a creamy, rich contrast to the other ingredients and healthy fats.
Jalapeños: If you love a little heat, firm jalapeños are perfect. Slice them thinly for a fresh, spicy crunch.

Dressing being whisked together in a bowl for Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Achieving perfectly balanced and flavorful burrito bowls is easy with these helpful tips:

Customize the Spice Level: You are the boss of your spice! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder used on the roasted vegetables and the Sriracha in the dressing. For extra heat, add more fresh or pickled jalapeños, or even a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, simply reduce or omit the spicy elements.
Master Your Meal Prep: These bowls are designed for convenient meal prepping! To save time during busy weeknights, cook extra grains, roast a larger batch of sweet potatoes and peppers, and prepare a double batch of the creamy dressing. Store all components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for quick assembly throughout the week.
Always Make Extra Sauce: Trust me on this one – you’ll want more of this incredible dressing! Double or even triple the recipe. It’s not just for these bowls; it makes a fantastic dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, a zesty spread for sandwiches, or a vibrant addition to other salads.
Even Cuts for Even Cooking: This is crucial for perfectly roasted vegetables. When chopping your sweet potatoes, aim for uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: For truly roasted (not steamed) vegetables, give them space! Spread the sweet potatoes and bell peppers in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. If your pan looks too full, use two sheets to prevent the vegetables from steaming instead of caramelizing.
Roast at a High Temperature: A hot oven (425°F or 220°C) is key to achieving that beautiful caramelization on the sweet potatoes and a crisp-tender texture for the bell peppers. This high heat helps to develop rich flavors and a delightful textural contrast.
Rinse Black Beans Thoroughly: Don’t skip rinsing canned black beans! This removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid that can affect the flavor and texture of your bowl. Pat them dry slightly before adding them to the roasted vegetables.

Tray of freshly roasted potatoes and peppers, golden brown and sizzling straight out of the oven.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Burrito Bowls

While these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls are wonderfully satisfying on their own, pairing them with a few simple sides can create a truly memorable meal. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

Crispy Tortilla Chips: A classic choice! Serve with a side of homemade salsa or fresh pico de gallo for that irresistible crunch and tangy complement.
The Best Guacamole: Elevate your chip game with my favorite guacamole recipe. Creamy, rich, and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s the perfect dip.
Mexican Street Corn (Esquites): A vibrant and zesty side, Mexican street corn (either on the cob or as a salad called Esquites) brings a smoky, creamy, and spicy element that perfectly complements the burrito bowls.
Simple Green Salad: For a lighter touch, an easy everyday side salad recipe with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A quick fruit salad recipe provides a sweet and refreshing finish to the savory bowls. Think tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and berries.
Churros for Dessert: Indulge your sweet tooth with warm, cinnamon-sugar coated churros or creative churro ice cream sandwiches for a truly decadent dessert experience.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls, colorfully assembled and ready to be enjoyed.

Storage & Meal Prepping Success

These burrito bowls are excellent for meal prep, making healthy eating simple throughout your week. Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness:

Separate Storage is Key: To keep all components at their best, store cooked grains, roasted vegetables (sweet potatoes and bell peppers), black beans, and the creamy dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This method helps maintain their individual textures and flavors.
Shelf Life: When stored properly, the main components will last about 5 days in the fridge. For optimal freshness, only add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro right before you’re ready to eat.
Prep Toppings Smartly: You can chop cilantro and slice jalapeños ahead of time. However, always slice or dice your avocado just before assembling your bowl to prevent it from browning. A squeeze of lime juice on sliced avocado can also help slow down oxidation if prepping shortly before serving.
Assembly for Best Experience: For the ultimate experience, warm up your grains, roasted vegetables, and black beans before adding the fresh, cool toppings and a generous drizzle of the creamy dressing. This contrast in temperatures adds another layer of deliciousness.

Explore More Vegetarian Favorites

If you loved these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls, you’re in for a treat! Here are more of our most cherished vegetarian recipes that are packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients:

Vegetarian Tacos with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Our vibrant Couscous Salad, featuring the best homemade dressing that brings out all the Mediterranean flavors.
Comforting and nutritious Roasted Butternut Squash Bowls, ideal for a cozy dinner.
A velvety and healthy Creamy Vegetable Soup, perfect for any season.
Our refreshing Quinoa Salad, brightened with a zesty lemon dressing.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burrito Bowls with dressing drizzled over it.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls

By

Chelsea Lords

These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls are my all-time favorite vegetarian meal! Fluffy rice, roasted sweet potatoes and peppers, savory black beans, creamy avocado, and the best sauce come together for a perfect burrito bowl.

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

Servings:

2 bowls

Video

For a visual guide, check out our recipe video!

Equipment

Sheet pan (15″ x 10″ or 15 x 21-inch)

Ingredients

1 cup rice (plus ingredients called for, see note 1)
4 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes (1-inch; 2 large potatoes, 1-1/2 pounds)
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
Salt and
pepper to taste
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Toppings as desired (see note 2)

Dressing

2 limes
1/2 cup mayo (Best Foods/Hellman’s recommended)
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel sweet potatoes and chop into 1-inch pieces. Slice bell peppers thinly. Drain and rinse black beans; set aside to dry.
Cook your chosen grain (see note 1) according to package directions. Allow it to cool slightly before assembling the bowls.
On an extra-large rimmed baking sheet, combine the chopped sweet potatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, paprika, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste (we recommend about 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Spread the potatoes out in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Roast for 15 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and toss the sweet potatoes. On the other side of the same baking sheet (or a second one if needed to avoid overcrowding), add the sliced bell peppers and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the peppers, then spread them out. Return the sheet pan to the oven and cook for another 15–20 minutes, or until the bell peppers are crisp-tender and the sweet potatoes are fully tender and slightly caramelized.
Once roasted, remove the tray from the oven. Add the rinsed and dried black beans to the tray with the vegetables and toss gently to combine and warm through.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the dressing. Zest two limes to get 1/2 teaspoon of zest, then juice them for about 3 tablespoons of lime juice. In a small bowl, combine the lime zest and juice with the mayonnaise, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and Sriracha. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Season with salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) and pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon) to taste. Refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to use it.
Prepare your fresh toppings: finely chop the cilantro, slice or dice the avocado, slice a jalapeño (if using), and cut a lime into wedges.
To assemble the bowls, start with a generous portion of cooked and slightly cooled grain at the bottom. Top with the warm roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and black beans. Finish with your desired fresh toppings and a generous drizzle of the creamy, zesty dressing. Serve and enjoy promptly!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Grain Choices. Feel free to use any type of grain as your base! For white or brown rice, try our “magic” baked white rice or brown rice methods for perfect results every time. Other fantastic bases include easy baked farro, quick stove-top couscous or quinoa, or even ultra-quick bulgur wheat.

Note 2: Topping Suggestions. Customize your bowls with a variety of fresh toppings. Recommended additions include fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, sliced or diced avocado, and jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick). Other great options include corn, shredded lettuce, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese (if not strictly vegan).

Storage & Meal Prep: For best results when meal prepping, prepare all the cooked components (grains, roasted sweet potatoes and peppers, black beans, and dressing) and store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble your bowls right before eating for optimal freshness. Always cut your avocado just before enjoying to prevent browning.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Variations may occur based on ingredients and portion sizes.

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