These vibrant tacos combine sweet potatoes and black beans for a delicious meal. Toss in some spices, and you get a tasty treat that’s colorful and satisfying!
They’re so easy to make, even I can’t mess them up! I love topping mine with a drizzle of lime juice. Trust me, it brings everything together perfectly! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These add a wonderful sweetness and texture. If you don’t have them, butternut squash or pumpkin work well too for a similar flavor profile.
Black Beans: Canned black beans make it super easy, but cooked lentils or chickpeas can also be a great alternative if you’re looking for variety.
Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for their authentic taste, but flour tortillas are a suitable substitute if you prefer a softer texture. Gluten-free tortillas are available too!
Cheese: I opt for crumbled feta for a salty bite, but you can use queso fresco, or omit it altogether for a vegan option. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Get Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is key for that caramelized flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even cubes for uniform cooking. Smaller pieces get crispier!
- Don’t crowd them on the baking sheet – this helps them roast instead of steam.
- Toss them in oil and spices well, so every piece is coated. This makes a big difference in flavor!
- Roast until they’re golden and tender, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
Just remember to toss them halfway through to ensure even cooking!
Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
For The Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled cheese (feta or queso fresco)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup green salsa or tomatillo salsa (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for roasting, bringing your total time to about 40 minutes. It’s a simple and quick way to enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a bowl, toss your diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well coated in those yummy spices.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, making sure to toss them halfway through. You want them tender and slightly crispy around the edges—yum!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While your sweet potatoes are roasting, warm the tortillas. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrapping them in foil and placing them in the oven for a few minutes.
5. Heat the Black Beans:
In a small saucepan, warm the black beans over medium heat until heated through. This usually takes just a few minutes.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s time to bring everything together! Place some roasted sweet potatoes and black beans evenly on each tortilla. Don’t be shy—pile them up!
7. Add the Toppings:
Top each taco with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of crumbled cheese, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a spoonful of your green salsa, if using. You’ll love the colors and flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Each bite is packed with flavor and texture—enjoy every morsel!
These tacos are not only vibrant but also perfectly balance sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. They’re sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Sweet Potato Pulp Instead of Cubes?
While sweet potato cubes are recommended for roasting and texture, you can use mashed sweet potatoes as a filling instead. Just warm them up and spoon them onto the tortillas, but they might alter the taco’s texture slightly.
Are There Any Vegan Options for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is already mostly vegan! Just skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. For additional creaminess, you can top them with a dollop of avocado or homemade cashew cream.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before assembling your tacos. The tortillas are best enjoyed fresh, so warm them up just before serving!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potatoes before roasting. You can also top the tacos with a spicy salsa!