These Easy Healthy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos are a tasty twist on taco night! With soft sweet potatoes and protein-packed black beans, they’re good for you and delicious.
Who knew tacos could be this healthy? I love loading mine with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. It’s a fun meal, and my kids even love helping stuff them! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These bring a sweet, hearty base to the tacos. You could substitute them with butternut squash or even regular potatoes, but sweet potatoes add a fantastic flavor!
Black Beans: A great source of protein! If you’re avoiding beans, try lentils or quinoa for a similar texture and nutritional boost.
Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas for their authentic flavor and gluten-free option, but flour tortillas work just as well. You can even use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option!
Cheese: Feta or cotija adds a creamy touch. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a dairy-free cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes can be tricky, but I have some tips to make it easy! The key is to ensure they’re coated evenly and spread out on the baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven properly before adding the sweet potatoes. This helps them cook evenly and caramelize nicely.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces—around 1/2 inch—so they roast at the same rate.
- Toss the sweet potatoes in olive oil and spices really well, allowing each piece to be coated for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give them room to breathe for crispy edges.
Easy Healthy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup green salsa or salsa verde
- Optional toppings: lime wedges, chopped onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have flavorful tacos ready to delight your taste buds in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is essential for roasting the sweet potatoes to perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are well-coated with the spices and oil.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they are tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Warm the Black Beans:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, pour the drained and rinsed black beans into a small saucepan. Heat them over low heat until warmed through. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
5. Prepare the Tortillas:
Next, take your tortillas and warm them up! Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or you can wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes. This makes them soft and pliable for filling.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Distribute the roasted sweet potatoes and warmed black beans evenly among the tortillas.
7. Add Toppings:
Top each taco with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a spoonful of green salsa or salsa verde. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with optional lime wedges and any other toppings you love. It’s time to dig in and enjoy these flavorful, healthy tacos!
These vibrant, nutritious tacos highlight the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with savory black beans, making for a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes! Just allow them to thaw completely before dicing and seasoning. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are tender and cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Black Beans?
No problem! You can substitute black beans with any other beans like kidney beans or pinto beans. Alternatively, use lentils or quinoa for a different texture while still adding protein to your tacos.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the sweet potatoes and black beans in a skillet, and briefly warm the tortillas before assembling them again.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already mostly vegan if you omit the cheese and use a vegan substitute instead. Just be sure to check the labels for the tortillas and any added toppings like Greek yogurt or sour cream.
