Hey y'all! Looking for a scrumptious plant-based sausage packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures? This Sweet Potato & Black Bean sausage recipe delivers savory, smoky goodness in every bite—perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or meal prep. You won't believe how easy and rewarding it is to make wholesome sausage at home. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Hearty and filling, thanks to a high-protein, fiber-packed black bean and sweet potato base.
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for meal prep—just reheat and enjoy.
- Completely vegan, gluten-free (with oat flour option), and allergy-friendly!
- Customizable with your favorite spices and textures.
- Freezes well for quick, flavorful lunches or dinners on busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium, mashed)
- 1 ½ cups cooked black beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- ½ cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour for non-GF)
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for smokiness)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for brightness)
Directions
Prep the Ingredients
- Cook sweet potato: Pierce a medium sweet potato with a fork and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes or until fork-tender. Cool slightly, peel, then mash to yield 1 cup.
- Prepare black beans: Drain and rinse beans well if using canned.
- Finely dice the onion and cilantro, if using.
Make the Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunky texture. Stir in sweet potato, sautéed onions/garlic, oat flour, tomato paste, all spices, salt, and chopped cilantro (if desired). Mix until well combined and cohesive.
Shape & Cook the Sausages
- Form mixture into 6-8 sausage shapes, about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place formed sausages on a tray lined with parchment.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a tiny drizzle of oil. Pan-fry sausages 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve
- Enjoy immediately, or let cool and store for later. See below for storage tips and serving ideas!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes
- Chilling the sausage mixture for at least 20 minutes before shaping helps them hold together better.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until workable.
- Wet your hands lightly before shaping to prevent sticking.
Variations
- Spicy Chipotle: Add 1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo for heat and smokiness.
- Herby Breakfast: Mix in fresh sage, thyme, and a touch of maple syrup for a breakfast-style sausage.
- Mushroom Umami: Fold in ½ cup finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, meatier flavor.
Required Equipment
- Baking tray (for sweet potato)
- Large mixing bowl
- Nonstick skillet or grill pan
- Potato masher or fork
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
Storage Instructions
Let sausages cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individually and store up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve in a toasted bun with tangy mustard and pickled red onions.
- Top grain bowls, salads, or breakfast scrambles.
- Savor alongside roasted vegetables and your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips
- Don't over-mash beans for the best meaty texture—a few chunks add great bite.
- Allow formed sausages to rest before cooking to help them firm up and stay together.
- If pan-frying, rotate sausages gently with a spatula to keep them intact.
FAQ
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
- Yes, just be sure to drain well and mash, but fresh roasted sweet potato has a deeper flavor.
- Are these sausages freezer-friendly?
- Absolutely! Freeze cooked or uncooked sausages for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
- Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) on a lined sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, for a firmer texture.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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2Place diced sweet potato on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with half the olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
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3In a skillet over medium heat, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until soft.
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4In a food processor, combine roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, sautéed onion and garlic, rolled oats, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, soy sauce, and parsley. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still slightly chunky.
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5Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Shape each portion into a sausage link and place on the baking sheet.
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6Bake sausages at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or until firm and lightly browned, turning halfway through. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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