Cheap Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes for Easy, Tasty Meals

Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the vegan kitchen. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’re also packed with flavor, nutrients, and endless possibilities for creative meals.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a family on a budget, or just craving something comforting and delicious, sweet potatoes are your best friend. Today, I’m sharing a roundup of cheap vegan sweet potato recipes that prove you don’t need fancy ingredients to eat well.

Each recipe is easy, affordable, and totally plant-based, making them ideal for both new vegans and seasoned plant-lovers alike. Read on for a collection of savory and sweet dishes you’ll want on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cheap vegan sweet potato recipes! For starters, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious base for countless meals.

They’re naturally sweet, which adds depth to both savory and dessert dishes. Best of all, sweet potatoes are incredibly affordable and available year-round in most supermarkets.

You’ll also appreciate these recipes because they require only simple pantry staples (think beans, rice, and spices) and minimal prep time. Even beginner cooks can whip up satisfying, wholesome meals without breaking the bank.

Plus, these recipes are easily customizable to suit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand.

“Sweet potatoes are truly a blank canvas in the kitchen—perfect for experimenting with new flavors and textures on a budget.”

Ingredients

Here’s a master list of ingredients you’ll find in the following recipes. Most are pantry staples or affordable produce items, keeping your shopping list short and sweet!

Equipment

• Baking sheet – for roasting sweet potatoes
• Large skillet – for sautéing vegetables and beans
• Chef’s knife – for chopping produce
• Cutting board – for prepping ingredients
• Mixing bowls – for combining salads or mashes
• Potato masher or fork – for mashing sweet potatoes
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper – for easy cleanup

Cheap Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes

Ready for some inspiration? Here are five delicious, affordable vegan sweet potato recipes you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.

Each recipe is simple, customizable, and ultra-satisfying!

Smoky Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Hearty, filling, and loaded with flavor—these stuffed sweet potatoes are perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes, poke several times with a fork, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until very tender.
2. While potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add black beans, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
4. When sweet potatoes are done, slice lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
5. Spoon the bean mixture into each sweet potato. Top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• Swap black beans for chickpeas or lentils for variety.
• Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Top with a drizzle of tahini or hot sauce for extra zing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli.
• Pair with Harvest Hash for a hearty, comforting meal.

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry

This one-pot curry is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings. Plus, it uses pantry staples and comes together in under 40 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 can coconut milk (or use 1 cup unsweetened plant milk for lighter version)
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.
2. Add curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
3. Add sweet potato cubes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in spinach or kale and simmer until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot over brown rice or with warm naan bread.

Tips & Variations:

• Swap out chickpeas for lentils or white beans.
• Add frozen peas or diced tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Use light coconut milk for a lower-fat version.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime.
• Enjoy alongside Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula for a vibrant dinner spread.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Who doesn’t love a basket of crispy, golden sweet potato fries? These are baked, not fried, and make a perfect snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thin fries. Place in a large bowl.
3. Toss fries with cornstarch to coat lightly. Add oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; toss again to combine.
4. Arrange fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite vegan dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations:

• Try tossing with Cajun seasoning for extra kick, or use rosemary and sea salt for a savory twist.
• For maximum crispiness, avoid crowding the pan and use convection bake if your oven allows.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with veggie burgers or sandwiches.
• Serve as a fun appetizer before Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or your favorite main dish.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos

Perfect for meal prep! These burritos are easy to freeze and reheat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp oil
• 4 large flour tortillas (or gluten-free)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Stir in black beans and cook until heated through.
5. Spoon filling into tortillas, roll up burrito-style, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations:

• Add cooked brown rice or quinoa for extra heft.
• Freeze wrapped burritos for up to 3 months; reheat in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Facts (per burrito):

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with salsa, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
• Great paired with a fresh salad or La Choy Sweet And Sour Sauce Recipes for dipping.

Mashed Sweet Potato Bowls

Simple, cozy, and endlessly customizable. These bowls are perfect for cleaning out the fridge and using up leftover veggies.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can white beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups steamed broccoli or any leftover veggies
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Mash sweet potatoes with olive oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy.
3. Divide mashed sweet potatoes between serving bowls. Top with beans and veggies of choice.
4. Drizzle with extra olive oil or your favorite sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations:

• Mix in sautéed greens, roasted corn, or leftover grains.
• Add a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts for crunch and protein.

Nutrition Facts (per bowl):

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a main meal, or as a side with your favorite soup.
• Try alongside Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for a nutrient-packed dinner.

Tips & Variations

• Sweet potatoes can be roasted, steamed, boiled, or microwaved—choose whatever method fits your schedule.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add whatever beans, grains, greens, or spices you have on hand.
• Batch-cook sweet potatoes at the start of the week for quick meals on busy nights.
• For extra savings, buy sweet potatoes in bulk or from local farmers’ markets.
• Leftover cooked sweet potatoes are great in smoothies, oatmeal, or even vegan pancakes.

“The secret to cheap vegan meals is to build your recipes around affordable, versatile ingredients like sweet potatoes.”

Nutrition Facts

Each of these recipes offers a balance of complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and plenty of fiber. Sweet potatoes are especially high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, making them great for immune health and energy.

Beans and greens add extra fiber, protein, and iron, supporting a balanced vegan diet.

If you watch your calories or macros, you can easily adjust portion sizes or add more veggies as needed. None of these recipes require added sugars or processed fats, so they’re naturally wholesome and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

• Turn any of these recipes into a full meal with a fresh green salad, steamed veggies, or a simple fruit dessert.
• Pack leftovers for work or school lunches; most of these dishes reheat beautifully.
• For a fun twist, host a vegan sweet potato night and let guests build their own bowls or burritos with assorted toppings.
• Keep it cozy on chilly nights with a sweet potato bowl and a mug of Huckleberry Margarita or your favorite warm beverage.

Conclusion

Eating vegan on a budget doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. With these cheap vegan sweet potato recipes, you can enjoy a world of flavors, textures, and nutrients—all without breaking the bank.

Sweet potatoes are an MVP ingredient in any pantry, and with just a few basics, you can whip up meals that satisfy both your taste buds and your wallet. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or simply looking for budget-friendly ideas, these recipes are sure to inspire many delicious meals ahead.

For more creative vegan ideas, don’t miss these reader favorites: Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food, Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe, and Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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