These healthy black bean sweet potato tacos are a fun and tasty meal! Filled with creamy sweet potatoes and hearty black beans, they’re great for any time of day.
They are super easy to make! Just roast the sweet potatoes, mix in the black beans, and pile everything into your favorite tortillas. Yum! I love adding a squeeze of lime for that extra zing! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They are the star of these tacos, offering sweetness and a creamy texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try using regular potatoes or butternut squash, but keep in mind the flavor will shift a bit.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a time-saver! If you’re looking for a different flavor, kidney beans or pinto beans can work as substitutes. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed.
Spices: I love the combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for flavor. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa. You can skip the smoked paprika and use regular paprika if you’re not a fan of that smoky taste.
Salsa: Green salsa adds a fresh kick! If you prefer something milder, opt for a tomato-based salsa. You can also make your own salsa, using tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños.
Cheese: Queso fresco is crumbly and adds a nice texture. However, if you want it cheesier, shredded cheddar or pepper jack can be used instead. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cheese or skip cheese altogether.
How Do You Roast Sweet Potatoes for the Best Flavor?
Roasting sweet potatoes at high heat brings out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to get a great result:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Toss them well in olive oil and seasonings. Even coating helps them crisp up!
- Make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet—crowding them can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Rotate them halfway through cooking to get an evenly caramelized color.
- They’re done when they’re tender and golden brown on the edges—should take about 20-25 minutes.
These steps will elevate your sweet potatoes for delicious tacos! Enjoy your cooking! 🌮
How to Make Healthy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch 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 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup green salsa or salsa verde
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 25 minutes to cook. So, in total, expect to spend about 35 minutes. Quick, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this will make clean-up easier later on!
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated to get that delicious flavor in every bite.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, giving them a gentle turn halfway through. They should be tender and have a few crispy edges when they’re done.
4. Heat the Black Beans:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, warm the black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they are heated through, adding a pinch of salt if you like.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Next, warm the tortillas. You can do this over a gas flame, in a dry skillet, or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes. Warming them makes them more pliable for easier taco-building!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to fill your tacos! Divide the roasted sweet potatoes and black beans evenly among the tortillas. This will ensure everyone gets to enjoy the good stuff.
7. Add the Flavor Boost:
Spoon some green salsa over the filling in each taco for an extra burst of flavor!
8. Top It Off:
Add avocado slices and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese. Feel free to add as much or as little as you like!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. It adds a bright, fresh touch!
10. Enjoy!
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over your tacos right before you take a bite for that refreshing zest!
These healthy black bean sweet potato tacos are vibrant, nutritious, and absolutely delicious! Enjoy every bite! 🌮
FAQ for Healthy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While sweet potatoes provide a unique sweetness and creaminess, regular potatoes or butternut squash can also work. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a little different!
How Do I Reheat Leftover Tacos?
To reheat, simply warm the fillings in a microwave or on the stove until heated through, then reassemble in warmed tortillas. Alternatively, you can place the fillings in a skillet over low heat while you warm the tortillas on the stove for a fresher taste!
Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly, just ensure that the tortillas and any cheese you use (like vegan cheese) are also dairy-free. Enjoy the guacamole or avocado as your creamy addition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling (sweet potatoes and black beans) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas separate to avoid them getting soggy. Just reassemble and enjoy when you’re ready!
