Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade vegetarian sweet potato black bean tacos with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and zesty lime crema. This easy baking recipe transforms humble ingredients into the best flavor-packed tacos with minimal effort. A foolproof method for creating restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired cuisine at home.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

8 tacos

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1.5cm pieces</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground coriander</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g cooked black beans, drained and rinsed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red onion, finely diced (half for cooking, half for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 small flour or corn tortillas (15cm diameter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g feta cheese, crumbled (or cotija cheese)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lime, cut into wedges</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml sour cream (or Greek yogurt)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lime, zested and juiced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small mixing bowl</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas mark 6). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures the sweet potatoes roast evenly and don't stick to the tray.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp coriander, and cayenne pepper if using. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Make sure all the sweet potato pieces are evenly coated with oil and spices for consistent flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they don't overlap. Space allows steam to escape, resulting in crispy edges rather than soggy potatoes. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the black bean mixture. Heat the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add half of the diced red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as burnt garlic becomes bitter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the drained black beans to the saucepan along with the remaining ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the beans with the spices. Add 60ml water to the pan, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes until the beans are heated through and the flavors have melded. Use the back of a wooden spoon to lightly mash some of the beans for a creamier texture, leaving most whole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For the lime crema, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt with the lime zest, 1 tbsp lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside. The acidity of the lime juice helps balance the earthiness of the sweet potatoes and beans.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>When the sweet potatoes are done, remove from the oven. About 2 minutes before serving, warm your tortillas. You can do this directly on a gas flame for 10-15 seconds per side (watch carefully to avoid burning), in a dry frying pan, or wrapped in foil in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes. Warming the tortillas makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>To assemble the tacos, place a warm tortilla on a plate and top with a generous spoonful of the black bean mixture, followed by the roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzle with the lime crema, and garnish with the reserved diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus burst. The combination of warm filling and cool toppings creates a delightful temperature contrast.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos?

The key ingredients are sweet potatoes, black beans, spices (cumin, smoked paprika, coriander), lime crema (made with sour cream or Greek yogurt), flour or corn tortillas, feta cheese, red onion, garlic, fresh cilantro, and lime for garnish.

How to cook Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos at home?

Learn how to cook Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos by first roasting cubed sweet potatoes with spices until caramelised. Meanwhile, prepare the seasoned black bean mixture and lime crema. Warm your tortillas, then assemble by layering beans, sweet potatoes, crema, and fresh toppings like red onion, feta, and cilantro for a restaurant-quality vegetarian meal.

Can I make these vegetarian tacos vegan?

Absolutely! To make these tacos vegan, simply replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative or cashew cream, omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute, and ensure your tortillas don't contain lard (most don't, but it's worth checking).

What's the best way to achieve perfectly roasted sweet potatoes?

For perfect roasted sweet potatoes, cut them into evenly-sized cubes (about 1.5cm), toss thoroughly with oil and spices, spread in a single layer without overcrowding, and roast at 200°C. Turn halfway through cooking and look for caramelised edges and fork-tender centres.

How can I meal prep these vegetarian tacos for busy weeknights?

Roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the black bean mixture up to 3 days ahead. Store separately in airtight containers. Make the lime crema in advance too. When ready to serve, simply reheat the fillings, warm tortillas, and assemble with fresh garnishes.

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