
It all started on a chilly Saturday morning when I had a few roasted sweet potatoes left over from dinner, half a pack of chorizo waiting in the fridge, and a craving for something bold but comforting. The sweet potatoes were caramelized to perfection crisp on the edges, tender inside. The chorizo was smoky and spicy, begging to be paired with something creamy and grounding. And just like that, this breakfast bowl was born.
The beauty of this dish is that it feels gourmet, but it’s actually as easy as your favorite weekend pancake routine. The sweet potatoes bring a natural caramel sweetness, the black beans add a creamy earthiness, and the chorizo ties it all together with that irresistible sizzle and spice. Add a fried egg on top, a few slices of avocado, and maybe a drizzle of lime, and you’ve got a bowl that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
As a baker, I’m usually elbow-deep in dough, but when it comes to savory breakfasts, I love playing with texture crisp roasted edges, soft beans, silky avocado. It’s all about that satisfying contrast. And if you’re a fan of meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd, this one’s a dream: roast the potatoes once, and you can assemble bowls all week long.
A quick freshness tip before we roll up our sleeves: keep your roasted sweet potatoes stored below 40°F if prepping ahead. They’ll stay delicious and safe for up to four days.
At a Glance: Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep time | Cook time | Total time | Servings | Difficulty | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT15M | PT30M | PT45M | 4 | Easy | ~420 kcal |
Key Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
Ingredients & Smart Swaps
Main Ingredients
For the bowls:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) chorizo sausage, crumbled
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 large eggs (optional topping)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Smart Swaps
Baker Ben’s advice? Play with flavor, but protect the balance.
- No chorizo? Swap in smoked turkey sausage or a veggie chorizo for a lighter bite.
- No black beans? Pinto or kidney beans work too just rinse well.
- Vegan? Skip the chorizo and egg. Add roasted chickpeas or tofu cubes for protein.
- Want a crunchier texture? Toss a handful of crushed tortilla chips or pumpkin seeds over the top before serving.
- Short on time? Use frozen pre-diced sweet potatoes just roast 5–10 minutes longer for crispness.
Why It Works (Baker Ben’s Flavor Science)
When I test a savory recipe, I treat it like a bake every texture matters. Here’s what makes this one sing:
- Roasting transforms sweetness: The high oven heat caramelizes the sweet potatoes, drawing out their natural sugars. That golden edge? Pure flavor chemistry.
- Chorizo adds contrast: Its spicy fat seeps into the beans and potatoes, creating richness without needing butter or cream.
- Black beans bring balance: Their creamy interior softens the spice, adding a mellow, almost nutty layer.
- The egg crowns it all: Break the yolk, and you’ve got an instant sauce silky, rich, and completely satisfying.
In short, it’s a bowl that checks every sensory box: crispy, creamy, spicy, and smooth. It’s breakfast harmony.
Let’s Cook
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a lined baking sheet (no crowding!) and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crisp and caramelized.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
While those sweet potatoes get all golden, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until browned and fully cooked about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a touch for flavor.
Step 3: Warm the Beans
In a small saucepan, warm your black beans with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil. Keep on low heat you don’t want them to dry out.
Step 4: Optional Egg Topper
For a deluxe version, fry or poach an egg for each bowl. I like mine sunny-side up so that runny yolk melts into everything like liquid gold.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Layer the roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and chorizo in each bowl. Top with the egg, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime just before serving.
Safety Tip:
When handling hot pans, always turn handles inward and use a folded towel or oven mitt especially if kids are helping in the kitchen. Trust me, I’ve learned that one the hard way (twice).
Troubleshooting Notes:
- Too soft potatoes? Roast longer or raise the oven temp slightly for extra crisp edges.
- Too spicy chorizo? Mix with a few spoonfuls of cooked rice or beans to mellow it out.
- Dry beans? Add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of broth before reheating.
Make It Your Way
Fast & Easy:
Skip the egg and prep everything the night before. Reheat and assemble in 5 minutes flat.
Family Comfort:
Add shredded cheese on top (Monterey Jack or cheddar) and broil for a minute until bubbly.
Bold & Spicy:
Top with pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a fiery wake-up call.
Healthy Glow:
Use turkey chorizo and add a handful of sautéed spinach for extra greens.
Vegan Air-Fryer Style:
Air-fry diced sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes and top with crumbled tofu seasoned with smoked paprika.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 kcal | 21 g | 35 g | 22 g | 8 g | 640 mg |
Rich in antioxidants from sweet potatoes and high in protein from beans and chorizo.
Keep It Fresh (Storage Tips)
Want to prep for the week? Here’s how:
- Store: Keep the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked chorizo, and beans in separate airtight containers in the fridge (up to 4 days).
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave, then top with a freshly fried egg for that just-cooked vibe.
- Freeze: You can freeze the potatoes and beans, but not avocado or egg. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Safety Tip: Never leave cooked chorizo or beans at room temperature for over 2 hours bacteria love breakfast too.
Serving Joy (Pairings & Plating)
Here’s how to elevate your bowl like a pro:
- Sides: Fresh fruit salad or citrus wedges keep it light.
- Drinks: Try a cinnamon latte, black coffee, or a cold-pressed orange juice for contrast.
- Presentation: Serve in shallow ceramic bowls for that “brunch café” look. Sprinkle with extra cilantro or microgreens, and drizzle olive oil for shine.
- Occasion: Perfect for weekend brunches, post-workout breakfasts, or cozy family mornings.
Bake, Share & Smile
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a meal that feels both wholesome and a little bit indulgent. These Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean and Chorizo Breakfast Bowls hit that sweet spot perfectly. Each bite tells a story: the caramelized potato crunch, the smoky chorizo warmth, the creamy beans holding it all together.
Cooking isn’t just about following steps it’s about confidence. When you take simple ingredients and give them attention, they reward you. That’s what I love most about recipes like this one. They remind us that even the simplest foods when crisped, roasted, and seasoned with love can taste extraordinary.
So grab your skillet, turn on some morning music, and make breakfast something to remember. And if you happen to snap a picture before digging in, I won’t blame you this one’s too pretty not to share.
Keep baking, keep cooking, and keep smiling.