Stuffed Sweet Plantains with Black Beans and Corn
Ripe plantains stuffed with a savory mixture of black beans, corn, and spices, then baked until golden for a satisfying vegetarian centerpiece. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, drained and rinsed black beans, (fresh or thawed frozen) corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces ripe plantains
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup, drained and rinsed black beans
- 1/2 cup (fresh or thawed frozen) corn kernels
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (optional, for topping) grated cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush a baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: Place the 4 plantain slices in the prepared baking dish, then spoon the black bean and corn mixture into the center of each plantain slice.
- Step 4: Brush the top of each stuffed plantain with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons grated cheese if using.
- Step 5: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the plantains are golden and the filling is heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stuffed Sweet Plantains with Black Beans and Corn take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Stuffed Sweet Plantains with Black Beans and Corn?
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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stuffed Sweet Plantains with Black Beans and Corn?
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 Stuffed Sweet Plantains with Black Beans and Corn 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 Stuffed Sweet Plantains with Black Beans and Corn vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.