These easy black bean and sweet potato tacos are tasty and colorful! They bring together creamy sweet potatoes and hearty black beans, all wrapped in warm tortillas.
Honestly, I love how quick these are to make! Just roast the sweet potatoes, mix in the black beans, and pile them high in your taco. You won’t even miss the meat! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! They add natural sweetness and a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, butternut squash or pumpkin puree works well too!
Black Beans: A pantry staple! They are hearty and nutritious. Canned black beans are easy to use, but you can also prepare dried beans if you have more time. If you’re avoiding beans, you could try lentils instead.
Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for their flavor. However, flour tortillas are also great! If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas labeled as such.
Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang. If you’re dairy-free, you can skip it or use a plant-based cheese option. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, but you can leave it out if you’re not a fan.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes to Perfection?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps achieve crispiness.
- Cut sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch cubes so they cook uniformly.
- Toss the cubes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. The oil helps them to crisp up.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for tender potatoes with crispy edges!
Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa verde or green chili salsa
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or queso fresco cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes for roasting the sweet potatoes. In total, you’ll spend around 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking sheet and toss the diced sweet potatoes in it with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the cubes are well coated so they roast evenly.
2. Roast and Get Crispy:
Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through cooking to get all sides nicely browned and crispy. They should be tender and have a lovely golden color.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to warm up your tortillas! You can do this in a dry skillet on medium heat for a minute on each side, or you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds until soft.
4. Mix and Prepare the Filling:
Once the sweet potatoes are done, take them out of the oven and mix them gently with the drained black beans in a large bowl. You can use a spatula to keep the sweet potatoes intact while mixing.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s taco time! Divide the sweet potato and black bean mixture evenly among your warm tortillas. Don’t be shy—load them up!
6. Add the Toppings:
Add a few slices of avocado on top of each taco, spoon on some salsa verde, and sprinkle crumbled cheese over the top. If you love cilantro, add some chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious black bean sweet potato tacos are ready! Serve them immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes that Are Already Cooked?
Yes, you can! If you have pre-cooked sweet potatoes, simply dice them and skip the roasting step. Mix them directly with the black beans and proceed with assembling the tacos!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Other toppings that work well include sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime. You could also substitute the cheese with a dairy-free option if needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the tortillas fresh, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, reheat the filling on the stove and warm the tortillas just before serving.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan by nature, as it doesn’t include any animal products. Just ensure your tortillas are made without any eggs or dairy, and you’re good to go!
