High-Protein Black Bean and Sweet Potato Power Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and colorful bowl packed with protein-rich black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. This latin american-inspired healthy bowls (high protein, vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, black beans (canned, drained), olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and salt to taste. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While sweet potatoes roast, rinse and drain 1 can black beans. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion to make a bright dressing.
  3. Step 3: Warm 2 cups cooked brown rice in a microwave or on stovetop until hot.
  4. Step 4: To assemble, divide the brown rice between 4 bowls. Top each with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, sliced avocado, and drizzle the lime-cilantro dressing evenly.
  5. Step 5: Optionally, add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt per bowl for extra creaminess and protein.

Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Black Bean and Sweet Potato Power Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover High-Protein Black Bean and Sweet Potato Power Bowl?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Black Bean and Sweet Potato Power Bowl?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale High-Protein Black Bean and Sweet Potato Power Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is High-Protein Black Bean and Sweet Potato Power Bowl high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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