Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and a little bit different, this Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe is going to rock your taco night. It’s packed with roasted sweet potatoes and colorful peppers, seasoned just right with a warm blend of spices, and then topped with a bright, tangy honey cilantro lime sauce. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and probably thirds.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes is beautifully complemented by warm spices and a zesty honey lime sauce.
- Perfect Texture: Roasted sweet potatoes and crisp-tender bell peppers create just the right mix of soft and crunch.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap spices, veggies, or beans based on what you have or your mood, making this recipe adaptable for everyone.
- Great Make-Ahead Meal: It reheats wonderfully, so it’s perfect for weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe lies in the ingredients working together like a well-choreographed dance—the spices coaxing out the sweetness of the potatoes, the peppers adding freshness and crunch, and the beans bringing protein and heartiness. Let me walk you through why each one is key.

- Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and tender when roasted, they form the hearty base of the tacos.
- Olive Oil: Helps roast everything beautifully and brings out the spices’ depth—don’t skimp on this!
- Ground Cumin: Earthy and warm, it’s essential for that signature southwest flavor.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and a subtle heat that lifts the other flavors.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Convenience meets flavor depth—a quick way to add savory goodness throughout.
- Ground Coriander: Bright and citrusy, it balances the warmer spices perfectly.
- Sea Salt & Pepper: Always important for seasoning and bringing out the best in every other ingredient.
- Bell Peppers (green and red): Add freshness, color, and crunch to contrast the softness of sweet potatoes.
- Black Beans: A creamy, protein-packed addition that makes these tacos filling and satisfying.
- Frozen Corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and texture, plus it roasts nicely right alongside the veggies.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness in the sauce that ties everything together.
- Lime Juice: Brings brightness and acidity to cut through richness.
- Fresh Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note in the sauce that’s classic for tacos.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: Essential for wrapping up all the delicious filling into a handheld delight.
Tweak to Your Taste
This Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe is versatile enough to handle all sorts of tweaks. I usually like to make it exactly as is because the balance is just right, but sometimes I get creative—or cater to what’s in my fridge.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, adding chili powder or a pinch of cayenne works wonders—I’m still cautious with this one, but I love playing with mild smoky heat.
- Switch your beans: Black beans are my go-to, but chickpeas or pinto beans are a fabulous swap when I’m mixing things up.
- Vegan swap: I swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan, though it changes the flavor slightly (still delicious!).
- Veggie remix: If you’re not a bell pepper fan, swap in zucchini or mushrooms, or toss in whatever veggies need an outing. This recipe is great for cleaning out the produce drawer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Black Bean Sweet Potato 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. I find using a rimmed sheet pan works best to toss the veggies later. Cube the sweet potatoes into about ½-inch pieces—they’ll roast evenly this way. Toss those cubes in 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then generously coat with the spice mix (cumin, paprika, garlic and onion powders, coriander, salt, and pepper). Stir everything together so each cube has a friend in spices. Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until you see the hint of browning that gives them that caramelized flavor I love.
Step 2: Add the Peppers and Roast Again
While the sweet potatoes start their dance in the oven, chop your bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Toss them in the same bowl you used for sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus a pinch more salt and pepper. Once the sweet potatoes have that lovely roast going, pull out the baking sheet and stir in the peppers. Slide it back in for another 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, so the peppers soften but still keep some crunch and color. I love watching the colors change and get brighter—it makes the kitchen smell amazing!
Step 3: Mix the Beans, Corn, and Sauce
In the final stretch, mix your thawed corn and black beans into the sweet potato and pepper mixture on the pan. Then whisk together honey, lime juice, and fresh cilantro in a small bowl. Drizzle this honey cilantro lime sauce over the veggies and stir so everything is evenly coated—the sauce is the magic that pulls your flavors together perfectly. Return the pan to the oven for 10-15 minutes more, stirring halfway, until the corn is slightly browned and the sauce has thickened and stuck lovingly to the veggies.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and pile the filling into warm corn or flour tortillas. I always have guacamole, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese on hand for toppings—they make this taco experience complete. You can also serve it over a bed of greens if you want a lighter meal, which is how I sometimes enjoy leftovers.
Pro Tips for Making Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give your sweet potatoes plenty of room to roast evenly—you’ll get better caramelization that way.
- Use fresh spices: I swear by fresher ground spices here; they pack way more punch and make your kitchen smell incredible.
- Warm your tortillas: Toasting your tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil keeps them pliable and ready to hold all that filling without breaking.
- Stir gently: When mixing in the sauce at the end, fold gently to keep those sweet potato cubes intact and not mushy.
How to Serve Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe

Garnishes
I almost always top these tacos with a dollop of creamy guacamole because it adds richness and coolness that balances the spice and roastiness. Fresh salsa or pico de gallo brings a juicy, tangy contrast. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a bit of sour cream rounds it all out perfectly. And a little extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side? Always.
Side Dishes
These tacos are great paired with a simple Mexican-style rice, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or even a light black bean and corn salad. On busy nights, I’ve happily served them alongside chips and salsa—it’s all about keeping it easy and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve laid out all the fillings and garnishes for a DIY taco bar—friends loved customizing their own plates while sharing laughs. Another idea is serving the filling over tostada shells for an extra crunch or rolling up the filling with cheese in a quesadilla style for a kid-friendly twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to a week. This makes it really easy to pack into lunch bowls or whip up a quick taco dinner the next day. Just make sure everything’s cooled completely before sealing it to avoid condensation.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the filling a couple of times with success. Just let the mixture cool fully, pack it in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it keeps nicely for up to 3 months. When thawed, the texture is mostly the same, though I recommend reheating gently.
Reheating
For the best texture, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back some crispiness—keep an eye so nothing dries out. The microwave works fine too if you’re in a hurry, but it’ll get softer. You can always freshen them up with a squeeze of lime or a little extra fresh cilantro on reheating.
FAQs
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Can I make this Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas or other gluten-free wraps, and you’re all set. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, which makes it a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten.
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Can I use canned beans, or do I need to cook beans from scratch?
Canned beans work perfectly here—just make sure to rinse and drain them well to remove any excess salt or canning liquid. It saves tons of time and works great for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! I often make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy the leftovers for lunches or easy dinners during the week. Just store the filling and tortillas separately and assemble fresh each time.
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Can I add protein like chicken or tofu?
Great question! Chicken or tofu cubes can be added if you want more protein. Just cook them separately and add them when you mix in the beans and corn to avoid overcooking your veggies.
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How spicy is this Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, making it accessible to all palates. But you can always amp up the heat with some chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like things spicier.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say this Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something comforting but still fresh and vibrant. The way the flavors and textures come together always surprises me—sweet, smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of savory. I hope you make this soon, and when you do, take a moment to savor every bite. You’re going to love how easy it is to pull together and how much your family or friends will enjoy it, too. Give it a try and let me know how it goes—you’ll have a new favorite taco in your repertoire for sure!
Print
Black Bean Sweet Potato 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
Delicious and nutritious Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos featuring roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, black beans, and a honey cilantro lime sauce. Perfect for a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian 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, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and generously grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, sea salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Toss Sweet Potatoes with Oil and Spices: Place sweet potato cubes in a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons olive oil, and stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and stir well to coat evenly.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they begin to brown slightly.
- Prepare Peppers: While sweet potatoes bake, add green and red bell peppers to the large bowl used for sweet potatoes. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper; toss to coat evenly.
- Add Peppers to Sweet Potatoes: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, add the peppers to the sweet potatoes, and stir to combine.
- Continue Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and roasted.
- Mix Honey Lime Cilantro Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until combined.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven, stir in black beans and thawed corn, then drizzle the honey lime cilantro sauce over the veggies. Stir until evenly coated.
- Final Roast: Return the pan to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the corn is slightly browned and the sauce has caramelized on the veggies.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately in warm corn or flour tortillas, topped with your favorite additions such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or cheese.
Notes
- Olive Oil: Any neutral oil like avocado oil works well as a substitute.
- Spices: Add chili powder for extra heat if desired; adjust spice quantities to personal taste.
- Bell Peppers: Use any color or substitute with other vegetables to clean out your produce drawer.
- Black Beans: Other beans like chickpeas can be used instead.
- Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or other vegan sweeteners like agave or date syrup for a vegan version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness or microwave for a softer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


