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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos - Easy, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced (half for roasting, half for topping)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander (optional), kosher salt, black pepper
  • Lime: 1–2, plus extra wedges for serving
  • Tortillas: 10–12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Avocado: 1, sliced or mashed
  • Cilantro: small bunch, chopped
  • Red cabbage: 1–2 cups shredded (for quick slaw)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: 1/2 cup (for sauce)
  • Hot sauce or chipotle in adobo: for heat (optional)
  • Queso fresco or feta: crumbled (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños or fresh jalapeños: sliced (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces for quick, even roasting.
  2. Season the sweet potatoes: Toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Add half the sliced red onion for extra flavor.
  3. Roast: Spread everything in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the potatoes are tender with caramelized edges. If they need more color, add 3–5 minutes.
  4. Warm the beans: While the potatoes roast, heat a small skillet over medium. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the black beans and a pinch of salt, cumin, and chili powder. Splash in 1–2 tablespoons water and warm for 3–4 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
  5. Make a quick slaw: In a bowl, toss the shredded red cabbage with juice of half a lime, a pinch of salt, and a tiny drizzle of olive oil. Let it sit to soften and brighten.
  6. Mix a simple sauce: Stir together Greek yogurt or sour cream with a squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of hot sauce or 1 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle. Adjust to taste. You want tangy and slightly smoky.
  7. Warm the tortillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high. Warm each tortilla 15–30 seconds per side until pliable with light char spots. Stack and keep warm in a clean towel.
  8. Assemble: Layer warm tortillas with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes and onions, a handful of slaw, avocado, and a spoonful of sauce. Top with cilantro, extra red onion, and cheese if using. Finish with lime wedges.
  9. Taste and adjust: Add a pinch of salt or more lime if needed. A few drops of hot sauce bring everything to life.