Black bean sweet potato quinoa bowl topped with avocado

Protein bowls

black bean sweet potato and quinoa bowl

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

10 Sept 2025

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I remember the first time I made this bowl. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I wanted something warm and comforting but also healthy. Rummaging through my pantry, I found sweet potatoes, quinoa, and a can of black beans. An idea sparked, and this incredible bowl was born! Now, it's a weekly staple. There's something so satisfying about the earthy sweetness of the potatoes combined with the nutty quinoa and the richness of the black beans. It’s like a hug in a bowl, you know?
Close-up shot of a black bean sweet potato and quinoa bowl
What makes this bowl truly exceptional is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with toppings! I love adding a dollop of Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for a vegan option), a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of lime juice. My friend Sarah even adds roasted pepitas for extra crunch, which is pure genius! It is also great for meal prep, keeps well and tastes good either warm or cold. What's not to love? I'm really wondering if you can even get such a nutritious dish at a resturaunt, ha!.
A person adding toppings to a black bean sweet potato quinoa bowl

Required Equipments

  • Baking Sheet
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Small Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve

Black Bean Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bowl: Frequently Asked Questions

Black Bean Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bowl

This Black Bean, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa Bowl is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful meal packed with plant-based protein and fiber. It's a vibrant dish perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying dinner.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub two medium sweet potatoes and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ¼ teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika!
  2. Cook the Quinoa: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, rinse 1 cup of quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water. This removes the bitter saponins. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Prepare the Black Beans: Drain and rinse one 15-ounce can of black beans. In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the black beans, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For a smoky flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa evenly between two bowls. Top with the roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. Get creative with your toppings! Some of my favorites include diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese (or vegan feta), chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt). Sarah's pepitas are also amazing, don't forget!
  5. Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor every bite! I can already tell you are gonna love this so very much. This bowl is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.
  6. Clean Up: No one likes cleaning up, but here is a tip. Soak your dirty pans and dishes in warm soapy water to make clean up after dinner a breeze.

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potatoes or black beans.
  • You can substitute brown rice or farro for the quinoa.
  • If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use water with a bouillon cube.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 520 kcal

Protein: 20 g

Fat: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 85 g

Fiber: 25 g

Calcium: 150 mg

The simple act of cooking can be transformative. It's not just about the food; it's about nurturing ourselves and those we love.

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