Quick Sweet Potato Black Bean (Print Version)

Tasty tacos with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, cabbage, avocado, and fresh cilantro in warm corn tortillas.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
04 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
05 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

→ Beans

07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Tortillas

08 - 8 small corn tortillas or flour tortillas

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

16 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (omit for vegan)
17 - 1/4 cup sour cream or dairy-free alternative
18 - Salsa or hot sauce of choice

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss sweet potato cubes and sliced red onion with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the mixture on the baking sheet and roast for 18 to 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
04 - While vegetables roast, warm remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add black beans and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Season lightly with salt.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and warm.
06 - Layer roasted sweet potatoes and onions, black beans, shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and cilantro leaves in each tortilla. Add cheese, sour cream, salsa, and a squeeze of lime as desired.
07 - Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything roasts on one sheet while you prep toppings, so cleanup is almost nonexistent.
  • The sweet potatoes get crispy edges that contrast perfectly with creamy avocado and crunchy cabbage.
  • You can make these vegan, gluten free, or loaded with cheese depending on who is eating.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day when the spices have mellowed.
02 -
  • Do not skip tossing the sweet potatoes halfway through roasting or the bottoms will burn while the tops stay pale.
  • Rinse your black beans thoroughly, the canning liquid can make them taste flat and overly salty.
  • Warm your tortillas or they will crack the second you try to fold them, and nobody wants a taco that falls apart.
  • Use a ripe avocado, an underripe one will be hard and flavorless and ruin the creamy balance.
03 -
  • Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform cubes so they roast evenly and you do not end up with some pieces burnt and others still firm.
  • Toss the roasted vegetables with a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup right before serving for a subtle sweetness that deepens the flavor.
  • Always taste your beans after warming and adjust the salt, it makes the difference between flat and flavorful.
  • If your tortillas keep cracking, wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 20 seconds, they will soften right up.
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