Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, filling, and utterly delicious taco that’s perfect for any night of the week, then stick around—I’m about to share my all-time favorite Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe that’s fan-freaking-tastic. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with hearty black beans, bold spices, and a tangy honey lime cilantro sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, once you try these, tacos will never be the same!
Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: Roasted sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the earthy black beans and smoky spices.
- Layered Flavors: The unique spice blend along with the vibrant honey lime cilantro sauce makes every bite pop with fresh, balanced flavor.
- Simple But Colorful: Using colorful bell peppers and corn not only brightens the dish but adds delightful texture contrasts.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe can easily fit vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore diets and is a total hit at gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe uses a combination of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each ingredient isn’t just for taste—there’s a purpose behind every one to create that perfect taco experience you’ll want to make again and again.

- Sweet potatoes: They roast to a tender, caramelized perfection and offer a slightly sweet base that complements the beans.
- Black beans: These add hearty protein and a creamy texture, making tacos satisfying and filling.
- Green and red bell peppers: They bring crunch, color, and a mild sweetness to brighten up the filling.
- Frozen yellow corn: Adds a subtle crisp pop, echoing the sweetness of sweet potatoes for balance.
- Olive oil: Coats everything for roasting, helping develop caramelization and flavor.
- Spices (cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, salt, pepper): Together, they build a warm, smoky, and aromatic profile that’s key to these tacos.
- Honey, lime juice, fresh cilantro (for sauce): This trio brings a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Corn or flour tortillas: Your vehicle of choice for scooping up all that goodness—choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your liking. Whether you’re a spice lover, keeping it mild, or want to sneak in extra veggies, this recipe plays nicely with your preferences.
- Add heat: I usually keep it mild but when friends come over craving spice, I toss in some chili powder or a pinch of cayenne—instant warmth without overpowering.
- Swap veggies: Not a fan of bell peppers? No worries! I’ve swapped in zucchini or mushrooms with great results—the idea is to keep that mix of textures and color.
- Vegan swap: My vegan friends adore swapping honey for pure maple syrup, which keeps the sauce sweet with a hint of caramel.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Spice Up the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and greasing a large baking sheet generously—don’t be shy with the olive oil here to help avoid sticking. In a big mixing bowl, toss those cubed sweet potatoes with 3 tablespoons olive oil until evenly coated, then sprinkle on your spice mix (cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, salt, and pepper). Give everything a good stir so each cube is kissed with that flavorful blend. This first bake softens the potatoes and gets them starting to brown nicely, about 20 minutes rotating it halfway to ensure even roasting.
Step 2: Add Peppers and Roast Some More
While your sweet potatoes are baking, add the cut bell peppers to the same bowl you used (no waste here!) with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus a pinch more salt and pepper. Toss them well—these guys will roast alongside the sweet potatoes for another 20 minutes. Once the initial bake finishes, pull out the pan, stir peppers in with the sweet potatoes, and get that colorful combo back into the oven, stirring halfway through to ensure everything roasts evenly and develops fantastic caramelized edges.
Step 3: Mix in Corn, Beans & Honey Lime Cilantro Sauce
While your veggies are roasting, whip up the sauce by stirring together honey, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Once the peppers and sweet potatoes look beautifully roasted, take the pan out and add the thawed corn and drained black beans. Pour your honey lime cilantro sauce over everything and stir gently to coat all the veggies. Return the pan to the oven one last time for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway, until the corn has a bit of a golden edge and the sauce clings to your filling in all the right places.
Step 4: Time to Assemble and Enjoy!
Remove the pan from the oven and serve those vibrant and flavorful veggies straight into warmed corn or flour tortillas. Pile on your favorite taco toppings—guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese—you name it. I often garnish with a little extra cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime for that extra zing.
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe
- Even Cubes for Even Roasting: I find cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform ½” cubes ensures they cook evenly and get perfectly tender without drying out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give those veggies some breathing room when roasting—the caramelization and slight crispiness comes from plenty of space.
- Taste the Spice Blend: If you want a stronger punch, adjust the spices before roasting, but always start modestly because they’ll intensify as they cook.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: I like heating tortillas wrapped in foil in the oven to keep them soft yet pliable, avoiding the dreaded torn taco shell mid-bite.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of keeping garnishes simple but flavorful. For these tacos, I usually go with fresh cilantro sprigs, a dollop of guacamole, a spoonful of tangy salsa, and a light drizzle of sour cream or crema to cool down the spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese adds a nice creamy touch.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair perfectly with a simple Mexican street corn salad (elote style) or a crisp cabbage slaw that cuts through the richness. For something easy yet satisfying, a side of black bean and corn salad or even a light avocado and tomato salad is spot on too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or taco night, I like serving the filling buffet-style with warm tortillas and plenty of toppings spread out. Another fun idea is using small lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a fresh, low-carb option. I’ve also assembled these in mini crispy taco shells for a crunchy twist that guests adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to a week. This makes quick lunches a breeze—just grab some tortillas and your favorite toppings, and you’re set for a satisfying meal.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead, this filling freezes well. Just cool it completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I like reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to bring back the lovely roasted texture and keep the filling from turning mushy. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but you might lose some crispness.
FAQs
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Can I make Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular flour tortillas for corn tortillas or your favorite gluten-free tortillas. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set for a safe and delicious meal.
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How spicy is this Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, making it approachable for kids and spice-sensitive eaters. But you can easily bump up the heat by adding chili powder, cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce when mixing your spices or as a topping.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prep and roast the sweet potatoes and peppers a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply warm the filling, mix in the beans and sauce, and assemble your tacos.
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What toppings do you recommend for these tacos?
I love topping these tacos with guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and if you like, sour cream or shredded cheese. These add creaminess and extra flavor layers.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen—not just because it’s easy and nutritious, but because it invites all the flavors and textures I crave in one taco. Plus, it’s flexible enough to fit any diet or season. I genuinely recommend giving it a go—you’ll love how roasted sweet potatoes and smoky beans come together with that fresh honey lime cilantro sauce. So, fire up your oven, grab those ingredients, and let’s taco ‘bout the best veggie tacos you’ll ever eat!
Print
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant and flavorful Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos recipe combines roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, colorful bell peppers, and a honey cilantro lime sauce to create a delicious vegetarian taco filling perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Vegetable Filling
- 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (about 6 cups), cut into ½” cubes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups green pepper (2 medium peppers), cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 cup red pepper (1 medium pepper), cut into 1” pieces
- 14.5 ounces black beans (rinsed and drained)
- ½ cup frozen yellow corn (thawed and drained)
Honey, Cilantro Lime Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
For Serving
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and generously grease a large baking sheet to prepare for roasting sweet potatoes and peppers.
- Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, sea salt, and pepper; set the spice mixture aside.
- Coat sweet potatoes: Place sweet potato cubes in a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons olive oil, and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle the spice mixture on the sweet potatoes and stir again until fully coated.
- Bake sweet potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they begin to brown.
- Prepare peppers: While the sweet potatoes bake, add the green and red peppers to the large bowl. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss until evenly coated.
- Add peppers to baking sheet: After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven, add the peppers to the sweet potatoes, and stir to combine evenly.
- Continue roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the peppers are tender and slightly browned.
- Make honey lime cilantro sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
- Add beans and corn: Once the sweet potatoes and peppers are roasted, add the drained black beans and thawed corn to the pan and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Coat mixture with sauce: Drizzle the honey lime cilantro sauce over the vegetable mixture on the pan and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Final roasting: Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes more, stirring halfway through, allowing the corn to brown slightly and the sauce to stick to the veggies.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately in warmed corn or flour tortillas, topped with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or cheese.
Notes
- Any neutral oil like avocado oil can substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
- Add chili powder if you prefer a little heat, or customize spices based on your preference.
- Use any bell pepper colors you like or substitute with other vegetables in the filling.
- Other beans like chickpeas can replace black beans if desired.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup, agave, date syrup, or brown rice syrup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To reheat and restore crispiness, warm leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for convenience (texture will be softer).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


