These Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos are a fun and tasty twist on taco night! Soft sweet potatoes and hearty black beans come together for a filling dish that’s packed with flavor.
I love piling them high with my favorite toppings—think avocado and salsa! Trust me, you’ll want to make these every week. They’re delicious and so simple to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They add natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash work too, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Black Beans: These provide protein and fiber. For a quicker option, you can use canned beans, or substitute with refried beans or lentils.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a nice flavor and texture. If you prefer, flour tortillas are an excellent alternative for a softer taco.
Cheese: I love using queso fresco because it crumbles nicely. If you can’t find it, crumbled feta or even shredded cheddar can be used instead.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes can be easy if you follow a few steps. The key is to get them tender and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes for uniform cooking. Aim for about 1-inch pieces.
- Toss them with olive oil and spices to coat well. This helps in even roasting and flavor.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet to avoid steaming. Overcrowding leads to mushy potatoes!
- Turn them halfway through roasting for an even caramelization.
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Enjoy the process!
Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup green salsa or tomatillo salsa
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Time Needed:
This taco recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes. In total, you’ll need about 40-45 minutes from start to finish for a delicious and healthy meal!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your sweet potatoes will roast perfectly crunchy!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until they’re all nicely coated. It’s like giving them a little spice bath!
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through so they cook evenly. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Now, while the sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to warm up the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
5. Heat the Black Beans:
In a small pan, warm the black beans over medium heat. Stir them occasionally until they’re heated through. If you like, season them lightly with salt to enhance their flavor.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Divide the roasted sweet potatoes and black beans evenly among the tortillas.
7. Add the Toppings:
Top each taco with delicious avocado slices, a spoonful of green salsa, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro if you want that extra pop of color and taste!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
These tacos are now ready to be served! Enjoy the burst of flavors and colors as you dig into these tasty Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos!
Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos FAQ
Can I Use Different Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While black beans offer a nice flavor, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different twist. Just be sure to rinse and drain any canned beans before using!
Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly! The sweet potatoes, black beans, and all your toppings like avocado and salsa are plant-based. Just be sure to use a plant-based cheese or skip it altogether if desired!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover tacos, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The roasted sweet potatoes and black beans can be stored for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling fresh tacos!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
The toppings are where you can get creative! Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat, a squeeze of lime juice for freshness, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer. Chopped lettuce or diced tomatoes also make great additions!
