You know, this Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito is one of those recipes that feels very simple but still gives you a filling and tasty meal. It’s basically a mix of roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, rice, and a few spices all wrapped up in a tortilla, so it’s not complicated at all.
The nice thing is that it comes together pretty quickly, usually in less than half an hour, which makes it easy to fit into a busy day.
And because it’s hearty but not heavy, you can enjoy it at different times, whether you want something for breakfast, a quick lunch, or even dinner when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking. It’s cozy, practical, and just a little bit comforting.
What is Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos Recipe?
The Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito is basically a tortilla stuffed with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, rice, and a mix of veggies and spices. It’s a meatless dish, but it still feels filling because the beans give it that hearty texture.
Most people enjoy it as a quick meal since you can make it ahead and just warm it up when you need it. You’ll usually see it served with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce, which makes it even more satisfying.
It’s the kind of recipe that works well for busy mornings, easy lunches, or even dinner when you want something simple but still tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to make: You don’t need a lot of time because the whole recipe usually comes together in under thirty minutes, which makes it very easy to fit into a busy day.
Simple ingredients: Most of the things you need are very basic pantry items like beans, rice, tortillas, and a few vegetables, so you don’t have to go searching for anything fancy.
Easy to customize: You can change it around by adding things like corn, cheese, or even some cooked chicken or turkey if you want more protein, so it works for different tastes.
Beginner-friendly: The steps are very straightforward, so even if you don’t cook often, you can still follow along without feeling stressed.
Great for meal prep: Since the burritos can be wrapped and frozen, you can make them ahead and just reheat when you need a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients Needed:
When you look at this recipe, you’ll see that the ingredients are all very simple and easy to find, and each one has a clear role in making the burrito taste good and feel filling.
- Sweet potatoes – they add a soft texture and a slightly sweet flavor that balances the spices.
- Olive oil – helps with roasting the vegetables and gives a little richness.
- Salt and black pepper – used to season everything so the flavors don’t feel flat.
- Tortillas – hold all the filling together and make it easy to eat as a burrito.
- Black beans – give protein and a hearty bite that makes the burrito more filling.
- Cooked brown rice – adds bulk and makes the burrito more satisfying.
- Garlic – brings in a strong flavor that mixes well with the beans and veggies.
- Cilantro – adds freshness and a light herbal taste at the end.
- Onion – gives a base flavor that blends with the spices.
- Jalapeno – adds a little heat without being too strong.
- Bell pepper – brings crunch and a mild sweetness.
- Tomato – adds juiciness and a bit of acidity.
- Ground cumin – gives a warm, earthy flavor that works well with beans.
- Chili powder – adds spice and depth to the filling.
- Queso fresco – gives a creamy and salty touch to balance the vegetables.
- Optional toppings – things like avocado, hot sauce, or sour cream make the burrito more fun to eat.
You’ll find the full ingredient list with exact quantities in the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos:
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by cutting the sweet potatoes into small pieces and spreading them out on a baking sheet so they cook evenly. Drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roast them until they look golden on the edges and feel tender when you poke them with a fork. The roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a slightly crisp outside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat some oil in a pan and add the garlic and onion. Stir them around until the onion looks soft and slightly golden because that’s when the flavor really develops. This step builds the base taste for the filling, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Add the Peppers and Spices
Next, toss in the jalapeno and bell pepper, and let them soften a bit while mixing with the onion. Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, and stir until everything smells warm and fragrant. The spices should coat the vegetables and give a nice color to the mixture.
Step 4: Mix in the Beans and Rice

Add the black beans and cooked rice to the pan, stirring until they blend with the vegetables. The beans should look glossy and the rice should soak up the flavors from the spices. Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 5: Combine with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes are ready, add them into the pan and gently mix everything together. The potatoes should break down just a little, giving the filling a creamy texture while still keeping some chunks. The colors from the beans, rice, and peppers make the mixture look vibrant.
Step 6: Assemble the Burritos

Lay out the tortillas and spoon the filling into the center. Sprinkle with queso fresco and fresh cilantro, then roll them up tightly so the filling doesn’t spill out. The burritos should feel warm and slightly soft, ready for toppings like avocado or hot sauce.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results
Roast for texture: Make sure the sweet potatoes are spread out in a single layer so they roast evenly and don’t steam, because that’s how you get those golden edges and a soft inside.
Control the heat: Keep the pan on medium heat when cooking the onion and garlic, since too much heat can burn them quickly and make the filling taste bitter.
Mash lightly: If some sweet potato pieces feel too big, mash them gently with a fork so the filling holds together better without turning into a paste.
Swap ingredients smartly: If you don’t have brown rice, you can use white rice or even quinoa, and if queso fresco isn’t available, a mild shredded cheese works fine.
Season gradually: Taste as you go when adding spices, because it’s easier to adjust slowly than to fix an overly strong flavor later.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Add corn: Mixing in corn gives a little sweetness and crunch, which changes the texture nicely.
- Make it cheesy: If you prefer more creaminess, add shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead of queso fresco.
- Add protein: You can include cooked chicken, turkey, or ground beef if you want a non-vegetarian option.
- Spice it up: Use extra jalapeno or a splash of hot sauce if you like a stronger kick of heat.
- Seasonal twist: Try roasted zucchini or mushrooms in place of bell peppers when those are in season.
- Fresh toppings: Add avocado slices or a spoon of sour cream on top to make the burrito feel more complete.
Serving Suggestions:

1. Perfect for breakfast:
These burritos can be made ahead and warmed up in the morning, so they work well when you want something filling but don’t have much time to cook. The mix of beans, rice, and sweet potatoes gives enough energy to start the day.
2. Serve with lunch sides:
For lunch, you can pair the burrito with a simple salad or even some tortilla chips and salsa, which makes the meal feel more complete without adding too much effort.
3. Easy dinner option:
At dinner, the burritos go well with roasted vegetables or a small bowl of soup, so you can turn them into a cozy meal that feels satisfying.
4. Pairs well with toppings:
No matter when you serve them, adding avocado slices, sour cream, or hot sauce on top makes the burritos taste fresher and more fun.
Storage & Reheating:
- How long it keeps: These burritos stay good in the fridge for a few days, usually around three to four, so they are easy to make ahead and enjoy later without worrying too much.
- Best storage method: The easiest way is to wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and then place them in a sealed container or bag. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
- Freezer option: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for a couple of months, and they will still taste fine when reheated.
- Simple reheating advice: To warm them up, you can microwave one burrito at a time until it feels hot in the center, or you can place it in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer a slightly crisp tortilla.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I use a different bean instead of black beans?
Yes, you can swap the black beans with something like pinto beans or even chickpeas, and the burrito will still taste good. The texture might feel a little different, but it works fine if that’s what you have at home.
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Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare them earlier in the day or even the night before. Just wrap them tightly and keep them in the fridge, and then reheat when you’re ready to eat. This makes them very handy for busy mornings or quick lunches.
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Why does my filling feel too soft or mushy?
If the sweet potatoes are roasted too long or mashed too much, the filling can lose its texture. Try roasting them until they are tender but still hold their shape, and mix gently so they don’t break down too much.
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Are these burritos vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, they are naturally vegetarian, and if you skip the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free option, they can easily be made vegan too.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos
Description
This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito is a simple, hearty, and cozy recipe that works for busy mornings, quick lunches, or easy dinners. It combines roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, rice, and spices wrapped in a tortilla, making it filling but still light enough to enjoy any time of day. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced on the sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, and roast for 15-20 minutes until golden and tender.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced and 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Stir in 1 jalapeno, diced and 1 yellow bell pepper, diced. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon chili powder, stir until fragrant.
- Add 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed and 2 cups cooked brown rice. Sauté for about 5 minutes until beans look glossy and rice absorbs flavors.
- Mix in the roasted sweet potatoes and 1 medium tomato, diced. Stir gently until combined. Mash lightly with a fork if pieces are too large.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro and ½ cup queso fresco, crumbled.
- Spoon filling evenly into 6 burrito-sized tortillas. Roll tightly and serve warm with optional toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or hot sauce.
Notes
- Wrap burritos individually in parchment or plastic wrap for freezer storage (up to 3 months).
- For crispier tortillas, reheat in a skillet instead of the microwave.
- Swap brown rice with quinoa for a lighter option.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 burrito (~250 g)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 420mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 9500 IU
- Vitamin C 25 mg
- Calcium 120 mg
- Iron 3.5 mg
- Vitamin D 20 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

