These easy black bean and sweet potato tacos are a tasty way to enjoy a quick meal! The soft sweet potatoes mixed with hearty black beans make for a satisfying filling.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good taco? I like to load mine up with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa. They’re healthy, colorful, and just so much fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamy texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash or regular potatoes can work too, though the flavor will change slightly.
Black Beans: These provide protein and hearty texture. Canned black beans are super convenient, but you can also use cooked dry beans. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace black beans with lentils.
Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas for their flavor and texture, but flour tortillas are just as tasty. If you need a gluten-free option, corn tortillas fit the bill perfectly.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice salty bite, but feel free to swap it out for goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free cheese substitute, adding a similar savory flavor.
How Do You Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes is simple, but a few tips can make a difference in flavor and texture. The key is to cut your sweet potatoes into even cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Make sure to spread the cubes out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Allow them to roast until they are caramelized and tender, usually 20-25 minutes.
- Mix them halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.
Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Tacos:
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija cheese)
- 1/2 cup salsa verde (or your favorite salsa)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your sweet potatoes roast perfectly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the sweet potatoes are coated evenly.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even roasting. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Warm the Black Beans:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, take a small pot and warm the black beans over low heat until heated through. You can add a pinch of salt for extra flavor if desired.
5. Heat the Tortillas:
Next, heat the tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat or directly over a gas flame for a nice char. This will make them soft and more flavorful.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, it’s taco time! Start by dividing the roasted sweet potatoes and black beans evenly among the warmed tortillas.
7. Add Your Toppings:
Top each taco with slices of avocado, a generous spoonful of salsa verde, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these colorful and flavorful tacos immediately. Enjoy every bite of your delicious black bean and sweet potato tacos!
Can I Use Different Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While black beans are the star in this recipe, you can substitute them with pinto beans or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to rinse and drain any canned beans you choose to use.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the fillings and tortillas separate in airtight containers. The sweet potatoes and beans can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving, and warm the tortillas briefly in a skillet.
Can These Tacos Be Made Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already mostly vegan, but simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it completely vegan. The tacos will still be deliciously flavorful!
What Can I Serve on the Side?
These tacos pair well with a side of Mexican rice, corn salad, or tortilla chips with guacamole. For a lighter option, consider a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette.
