If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing vegetarian meal that bursts with color, flavor, and serious feel-good vibes, these Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties are about to win you over. Imagine the sweetness of creamy sweet potato paired with hearty black beans, a hit of lime, and a hint of spice, all pan-seared to crispy perfection. Top it off with an irresistibly tangy lime yogurt drizzle, and you’ve got a wholesome, plant-based dinner that’s fuss-free yet impressive every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy lunches, or your next casual dinner party, this is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties plays a starring role, coming together in complete harmony. The magic is in the balance of savory and bright flavors, plus a mix of textures that makes each bite exciting!
- Sweet Potato: The foundation of our patties, lending delicious natural sweetness and a tender, creamy interior.
- Black Beans: Hearty and protein-rich, they add texture and depth while making the patties satisfying and filling.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These keep the patties light and crisp—feel free to sub gluten-free if needed!
- Red Onion: Adds crunch, color, and a gentle bite that balances out the sweetness.
- Garlic: Essential for that aromatic base, infusing every patty with craveworthy flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Warm and earthy, this spice gives a Southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika: Just a little goes a long way, adding subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors—don’t skimp!
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat to balance the lime and sweet potato.
- Fresh Lime Juice: The zesty ingredient that brightens the whole dish, inside and out.
- Olive Oil: Extra richness and crispy edges—plus a boost for sautéing.
- Fresh Cilantro: Pops of green and an unmistakable fresh flavor; leave out or sub with parsley if you’re not a fan.
- Plain Greek Yogurt or Vegan Yogurt (for Lime Drizzle): Creamy, tangy, and perfect as a cooling counterpart to the patties.
- Lime Zest (for Lime Drizzle): Adds intense lime aroma and a beautiful burst of zestiness.
- Pinch of Salt (for Lime Drizzle): Brings the drizzle together and enhances the bright citrus flavor.
How to Make Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties
Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potato
Start by peeling and cubing one large sweet potato, then boil or steam the cubes until they’re fork-tender—which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and transfer to a large bowl. Mash them until mostly smooth; a few small chunks are totally fine and add extra texture later.
Step 2: Combine With Black Beans and Flavorings
Bring in the black beans (make sure they’re drained and rinsed!), then add them to the mashed sweet potato. Use a fork or a potato masher to gently mash some of the beans, leaving about half mostly intact for a great mix of textures. Now’s the time to stir in the panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro. Mix until everything is evenly blended and the colors look gorgeous together!
Step 3: Rest and Shape the Patties
Patience gives you the best patties! Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes; this helps everything firm up, making the patties easier to shape and cook. After resting, form the mixture into 6 to 8 equal-sized patties—think burger or slider size as you prefer.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crisp
Add a swirl of olive oil to a large skillet set over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the pan (don’t overcrowd!). Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the outsides are golden brown and crisp while the insides stay soft and flavorful. For extra ease or a lighter option, you can bake the patties on a parchment-lined sheet in a 400°F oven for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Lime Drizzle
While the patties cook, bring that signature zing! In a small bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. The result is a creamy, citrusy sauce that takes these Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties over the top.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Serve your warm patties drizzled generously with the lime yogurt sauce. A final sprinkle of fresh cilantro and maybe a little extra lime zest turns this meal into an absolute showstopper. Prepare to watch everyone dig in!
How to Serve Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties
Garnishes
Garnishing is where the fun begins! A bright drizzle of the lime yogurt sauce is essential, but don’t stop there. Top with extra chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, or even a sprinkle of toasted pepitas for added crunch. If you love a little heat, a few rings of fresh jalapeño are delicious here too.
Side Dishes
These patties shine alongside a mixed greens salad tossed with avocado and cherry tomatoes, a warm corn and black bean salad, or a simple cilantro rice. Want to make it a heartier meal? Slide a Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patty onto a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato, and serve with oven-crisp sweet potato fries or a tangy cabbage slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties aren’t just for standard burger plates! Try breaking them up on top of grain bowls with roasted veggies, wrapping them in a tortilla with pickled onions for handheld wraps, or stacking mini patties as appetizers with a dollop of lime drizzle for a party platter that always disappears fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover patties completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick. The lime drizzle can be kept in a smaller container alongside. Both will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making weekday lunches or snacks super easy.
Freezing
Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties are freezer-friendly heroes! After shaping and cooking, let the patties cool, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, so they don’t clump together. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just don’t forget to label the bag with the date!
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until heated through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Alternatively, pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes. The drizzle can be stirred and served chilled or brought to room temperature for maximum zing.
FAQs
Are Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free panko or regular gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’ll have a gluten-free meal everyone can enjoy.
Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?
You can, but for the best flavor and texture, fresh sweet potato is always the top choice. If you’re in a pinch, well-drained canned sweet potato will work, but be mindful of extra moisture—drain very well before mashing.
What are the best toppings for these patties?
The lime yogurt drizzle is a must-have, but these patties also love toppings like avocado slices, quick pickled onions, fresh salsa, or even a handful of microgreens for a pretty (and tasty) finish.
Can these patties be grilled?
Grilling is possible but can be a bit tricky since the patties are tender. For best results, chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling and use a well-oiled grill grate. Consider using a grill pan to prevent sticking or losing pieces through the grates!
How do I make the lime drizzle vegan?
Just swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or cashew yogurt), and you’ll have a totally dairy-free, vegan-friendly drizzle that’s just as refreshing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that puts a fresh, vibrant spin on meatless dinners, I can’t recommend these Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties enough. Every bite is hearty, zesty, and packed with nutrients—not to mention pure comfort food. Give them a try, make them your own with fun toppings, and prepare for the joy of a meal that truly satisfies. I promise, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (with GF breadcrumbs)
Description
These Lime Drenched Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties are a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian option. The patties are packed with sweet potato, black beans, and aromatic spices, then topped with a zesty lime yogurt drizzle. Perfect for a meatless dinner!
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Black Bean Patties:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Lime Drizzle:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Boil or Steam Sweet Potato: Boil or steam sweet potato cubes until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain well and mash in a large bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add black beans and mash slightly. Stir in breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice, olive oil, and cilantro until well combined. Let rest for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Form Patties: Form into 6–8 patties. Cook in a skillet with olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Prepare Lime Drizzle: Whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, zest, and salt. Serve warm patties drizzled with lime yogurt sauce.
Notes
- These patties can be baked at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- They freeze well—just thaw and reheat in a skillet.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt in the drizzle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with drizzle
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
