Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Stack?
It is a layered dish featuring ground beef, sweet potatoes, and black beans stacked with flour tortillas, enchilada sauce, and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the enchilada stack need to bake?
Bake the stack for 20-25 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
How do I prepare the sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Peel and cut the sweet potato into 1/2 inch cubes, then microwave with a tablespoon of water for 4-5 minutes until just tender.
What kind of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
What type of tortillas are best for the stack?
The recipe specifically uses three 8-inch flour tortillas.
Which spices provide the flavor for the meat mixture?
The dish is seasoned with chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese are used for the layers and the topping.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate before assembling the stack.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
How many layers are in the enchilada stack?
The recipe involves repeating the tortilla, meat/potato, and cheese layers three times.
Should I drain the ground beef after browning?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after browning the beef and onions.
Is the onion cooked before adding it to the stack?
Yes, the onion is chopped and browned along with the ground beef until soft.
How much enchilada sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 10-ounce can of enchilada sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add extra beans or corn to keep it vegetarian.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the stack to cool for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
What size should the sweet potato cubes be?
The sweet potatoes should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes for even cooking.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While the recipe calls for flour tortillas, corn tortillas can be substituted for a different texture or gluten-free option.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a 'One Dish Meal' because it contains protein, starch, and vegetables in one bake.
What is the primary flavor profile of this recipe?
It is savory and comforting with a hint of natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes and a mild Mexican-inspired spice.
Do I need to fully cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave?
No, they should be just tender but not fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
How many teaspoons of chili powder are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chili powder.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese would also work well with these flavors.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is the sweet potato peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the sweet potato should be peeled before cubing.
Can I add extra vegetables to the mix?
Absolutely, bell peppers or corn would make great additions to the meat and bean mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spice level is generally mild to medium, depending on the heat of the enchilada sauce you choose.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include enchiladas, sweet potatoes, black beans, beef, comfort food, and Mexican cuisine.