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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Sweet Potato Tacos

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If you’re looking for a satisfying, nutritious, and quick 30-minutes meal, these Sweet Potato Tacos are it! They’re packed with hearty roasted sweet potatoes, protein-rich refried black beans, and warm spices, all wrapped up in soft corn tortillas and topped with a creamy, spiced yogurt sauce.

Easy sweet potato tacos with black beans and a spicy yogurt sauce served on a wooden cutting board.

You probably already know that sweet potatoes are one of my favorite ingredients to cook with, that’s exactly why I created my sweet potato casserole without eggs in the first place. But since taco night is a big deal in my house, I knew I had to come up with a sweet potato taco recipe that’s both flavorful and nourishing.

Since my family gave this recipe a big thumbs up, of course I had to share it with you! Sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, and Greek yogurt in a taco? Not exactly your classic combo, but trust me, it works!

I can’t get enough of these sweet potato black bean tacos! I made them just last night, and I’m already trying to figure out when I can make them again without my family calling me out for repeat meals. They’re everything I want in a meal, naturally vegetarian (and so easy to make vegan), packed with fiber and protein, and perfectly balanced between sweet, smoky, and savory.

If you’ve never tried sweet potato tacos before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. They bring together ingredients you might not think of as “taco-worthy” but totally work. The combination of spices; chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a little cayenne for heat, gives the sweet potatoes an incredible depth of flavor, while the refried black beans add creaminess and protein. They taste like something you’d order at a great taco spot, but you can make them right at home in just 30 minutes.

I can’t tell you how many times these sweet potato tacos have saved me on a busy weeknight. You know those nights when you need something quick, easy, and actually nutritious, but you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make? That’s when I always reach for this recipe. They’re budget-friendly and family-approved. Even my picky eaters who usually turn up their noses at veggies somehow have no complaints when these hit the table. Maybe it’s the creamy black beans, the perfectly spiced sweet potatoes, or the cooling Greek yogurt sauce that ties it all together. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be in your regular rotation too.

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🥘 Ingredients

I always keep these ingredients on hand because they’re simple, wholesome, and come together effortlessly to make these delicious sweet potato tacos.

Ingredients for sweet potato tacos recipe on a white background.

Refried Black Beans: I love how black beans add creaminess and pair perfectly with the sweet potatoes. I always go for a good-quality, vegan-friendly brand like the ones from Whole Foods.

Sweet Potatoes & Carrots: These are packed with Vitamin A and bring the best texture to the tacos. I dice the sweet potatoes small for even cooking.

Red Onion & Garlic: Caramelized red onions add a hint of sweetness, and fresh garlic brings bold, savory flavor.

Spices: Chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and taco seasoning give these tacos a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy kick.

Toppings: I keep it simple with fresh cilantro, but you can add whatever you love. Check out my serving suggestions for more ideas.

Corn Tortillas: I use soft corn tortillas because they hold up well and taste amazing with the filling. Just warm them up before serving for the best texture.

Plain Greek Yogurt: This makes the creamiest, most delicious taco sauce! It’s the perfect cooling contrast to the warm, spiced filling.

🍲 Substitutions

Beans: If you don’t have black beans, refried pinto beans or even my easy vegan refried beans work just as well.

Corn Tortillas: Feel free to swap them for crispy taco shells or flour tortillas if that’s more your style.

Yogurt: You can use any plain yogurt, mayo, sour cream, or even ricotta as a substitute, whatever you have on hand.

Vegan: It’s so easy to make vegan tacos! Swap the Greek yogurt for vegan mayo, vegan sour cream, or plain coconut yogurt.

🔪 How To Make

My healthy sweet potato taco with creamy sauce recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and five simple steps. Here is how I make it:

Prep The Taco Fillings

Cut Up Your Veggies: With a sharp knife, I chop the sweet potatoes, onions, and carrots into small, even pieces, about ½-inch cubes (they cook faster and evenly this way!) and then add them to a medium bowl. I also chop up fresh cilantro and keep it in a separate small bowl to sprinkle on later.

chopped pumpkin in a bowl

Heat The Black Beans: In a medium saucepan, I gently heat the refried black beans over low heat and stir in about 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, I adjust this based on how spicy I want it. Once the beans are warm, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, I set them aside until it’s time to assemble the tacos.

refried black beans in a pot

Cook The Veggies: I sauté the onions, carrots, and sweet potato cubes in a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Then I stir in minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, optional cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt (I usually start with ½ teaspoon and add more if needed). I cook everything together until the sweet potatoes are soft and lightly browned, covering the pan helps speed this up.

sweet potatoes, carrots and spices sauteeing in a pan

Make The Greek Yogurt Sauce: Next, I prepare the yogurt sauce by stirring taco seasoning into plain Greek yogurt, I typically start with 2 teaspoons, tasting as I go to get the perfect spice level. I then add about 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out to my preferred consistency. If I’m in the mood for something tangy, I’ll use fresh lime juice instead of water, it adds a really nice zing!

greek yogurt sauce for tacos - spicy yogurt sauce in a bowl

Assemble The Tacos

Heat Up The Corn Tortillas: I prefer heating my corn tortillas in a dry skillet until they’re soft and warm, flipping once or twice. If you have a gas range, you can also carefully warm them directly over the flame, I do this when I want a nice charred edge! After warming, I keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel so they stay soft and ready for filling.

Uncooked gluten free tortilla cooking in a pan.

On Each Charred Tortilla: On each warm, charred tortilla, I spread a generous spoonful of seasoned refried black beans, then layer on the sweet potato, carrot, and onion mixture. Next, I drizzle on that creamy yogurt sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Then they’re ready to eat right away!

Vegetarian sweet potato tacos with black beans and a spicy yogurt sauce served on a wooden cutting board.

My #1 Secret Tip for making these tacos absolutely delicious is to roast the sweet potatoes instead of sautéing them, I discovered this trick one night when I had extra time, and the caramelized edges and creamy centers made the tacos taste even better than usual!

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Chop Evenly: I always chop the sweet potatoes and carrots evenly, so everything cooks at the same pace.
  • Adjust Spices to Taste: I recommend adjusting the taco seasoning and cayenne to match your spice preference or try my favorite homemade taco seasoning; it’s tastier and budget-friendly too.
  • Assemble Fresh: I’ve found the tacos taste best when assembled right before eating. Nobody loves a soggy tortilla.
  • Don’t Overfill: I usually avoid overfilling my tacos, it can get messy fast! Instead, I just make extra tacos or turn leftovers into a delicious taco bowl.

📖 Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. I love trying out these yummy variations.

With a Quick Cabbage Slaw : I love adding a crunchy element, and a simple slaw made with shredded cabbage, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt brings the perfect tangy contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes and black beans.

Roasted Cauliflower: Roasting cauliflower with olive oil and taco seasoning alongside the sweet potatoes adds even more texture and flavor. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra veggies while keeping the tacos hearty and satisfying.

Portobello Mushroom: Adding portobello mushrooms halfway through cooking gives these tacos a rich, umami depth and a slightly “meaty” texture. If you love mushrooms like me, this is a must-try!

Make it Kid Friendly: Honestly, these tacos are already a huge hit with my kids! But since some little ones (including mine!) can be sensitive to spice, I usually swap out the yogurt sauce for plain Greek yogurt or mild sour cream to make them completely picky-eater-proof. It’s an easy change, and they always ask for seconds.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve these tacos with sweet potatoes as an easy lunch or as dinner on your next taco night! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

With A Side: Serve two or three tacos along with a healthy side dish such as my Mexican fruit salad, a comforting vegetarian taco soup, or chips and this healthy taco dip.

With A Main Dish: I like serving these tacos alongside a meatless main. Try my Mexican rice casserole, an air fryer quesadilla, or this layered taco casserole with tortillas.

With A Variety Of Toppings: Feel free to use a bunch of taco toppings that you enjoy! I kept it simple with fresh cilantro, but other ideas include shredded cheese (cotija cheese would be great here), pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole, this dairy-free taco sauce is my favorite, or my smoky red pepper crema.

🫙 Storage Directions

Refrigerating: I usually let all the sweet potato taco ingredients cool to room temperature first, then store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. I’ve found they keep well for about 3-4 days.

Reheating: When I’m ready to enjoy leftovers, I gently reheat the veggies either in the microwave or in a skillet. For the tortillas, I prefer warming them quickly in a dry skillet or right over the stove flame, but the microwave works too.

Make Ahead: If I want to save some time, I cook the veggies and prepare the yogurt sauce in advance. For the freshest taste, I always recommend serving them the same day or at least the next day. I wait to heat the tortillas and assemble the tacos until right before serving – that way, everything stays delicious.

❓Recipe FAQs

ARE THESE SWEET POTATO TACOS HEALTHY?

Absolutely! One of the reasons I love these sweet potato tacos so much is because they’re such a nutritious choice. Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite ingredients, they’re packed with iron, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. And paired with carrots, this recipe delivers a great boost of vitamin A, too! As a health coach, I’m always mindful of fiber and protein, and just one taco provides 7 grams of plant-based protein and 6 grams of fiber to support digestion and keep you feeling satisfied longer. Plus, they’re low-calorie, only about 150 calories per taco, so I can enjoy taco night as often as I want, totally guilt-free!

SHOULD I PEEL THE SWEET POTATOES?

Nope, I always leave the skin on! There’s so many nutrients in the skin and it adds texture (crispness!). You can peel them if you prefer of course.

WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF TORTILLAS?

If you’re avoiding grains, try romaine leaves (the hearts you can buy in a 3-pack make great vessels for taco fillings!) collard leaves (shave down the stem using a paring knife), or butter lettuce leaves are great options. For store bought options, try cassava tortillas, jicama tortillas, or I’ve even seen coconut wraps. Siete Foods also make a few different options that may work for you.

Healthy sweet potato tacos with black beans and a spicy yogurt sauce served on a wooden cutting board.

Love this plant based mexican recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

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🎥 Watch How to Make It

Easy sweet potato tacos with black beans and a spicy yogurt sauce served on a wooden cutting board.
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5 from 27 votes

Sweet Potato Tacos

If you’re looking for a satisfying, nutritious, and quick 30-minutes meal, these Sweet Potato Tacos are it! They’re packed with hearty roasted sweet potatoes, protein-rich refried black beans, and warm spices, all wrapped up in soft corn tortillas and topped with a creamy, spiced yogurt sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, vegetarian
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegetarian
Servings: 12 tacos
Calories: 160kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Cut up your veggies: sweet potatoes, onions, and carrots. Meanwhile, heat the black beans over low heat and add 2 tsp taco seasoning (or to taste – the more you add, the spicier it will be).
  • Saute the onions, carrots, sweet potatoes in olive oil over medium heat. Add in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne if you’re using it. Let the mixture cook until the potatoes are soft. (If you want it to cook quickly, cover the pan and just stir every couple minutes)
  • While the veggies are cooking, chop your cilantro and set aside.
  • Prepare your yogurt sauce. Empty the Greek Yogurt into a bowl, and stir in 2 tsp of taco seasoning (taste it periodically to make sure it’s achieved the spice level you want). Add 1-2 Tbsp water to thin out the yogurt mixture (the more water you add, the thinner it will get). Mix everything together until the yogurt is smooth.
  • Begin assembling your tacos! Heat up your corn tortillas, and on each tortilla put: 2-3 Tbsp refried black beans, 1/3 cup of the veggie mixture, 1-3 Tbsp of the yogurt mixture (depending on how much sauce you want), and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Notes

  • My #1 Secret Tip for making these tacos absolutely delicious is to roast the sweet potatoes instead of sautéing them, I discovered this trick one night when I had extra time, and the caramelized edges and creamy centers made the tacos taste even better than usual!
  • Chop Evenly: I always chop the sweet potatoes and carrots evenly, so everything cooks at the same pace.
  • Adjust Spices to Taste: I recommend adjusting the taco seasoning and cayenne to match your spice preference or try my favorite homemade taco seasoning; it’s tastier and budget-friendly too.
  • Assemble Fresh: I’ve found the tacos taste best when assembled right before eating. Nobody loves a soggy tortilla.
  • Don’t Overfill: I usually avoid overfilling my tacos, it can get messy fast! Instead, I just make extra tacos or turn leftovers into a delicious taco bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 1taco | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g

56 responses to “Sweet Potato Tacos”

  1. What marvelous flavors in these veggies packed and delicious tacos. They are going to be a big hit on Taco Tuesday in my house.5 stars

  2. These tacos are a delicious veggie alternative! I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, and I can always add meat for those in my family who are still meat-eaters.5 stars

  3. These are just so delicious! We ate something like this when we got a box of Hello fresh order and ever since then loved it. This recipe is so close to how we like it and the best part is, it is so quick and easy to make.5 stars

  4. The kids want tacos all the time. I get tired of them! I love these – so different and still so flavorful! Terrific recipe!5 stars

    • Thanks so much Jenn!! I agree – these are a fun way to change up taco night (my kids want tacos all the time too! 🙂 )

  5. I liked it very much and so did my mom and her boyfriend , I tried the sauce and its a good thing we bought two yogurts cause one had too much seasoning so I started a new one and added some taco seasoning and chili powder and it tasted like a taco but yeah it was really good! Now to eat the rest.5 stars

  6. I’m going to make these tomorrow 😉 I managed to catch my mom when she was going to head to the store so she’s going to use my debit card to buy the ingredients…. I really hope I like it, though the catch would be the sweet potatos because I remember trying them before but not liking them but hey, I could try again, and who knows sauteing them might help. Though Im removing the onions on the case my mom eats them because she hates them while I love them well C’est La Vie. Anyways I hope it turns out well…. I might share it with my mom’s coworkers.. I did bribe my Math teacher to get me a chocolate eclair before with chicken Cordon Bleu.. decisions decisions5 stars

    • Oh yay!! I’m glad you were able to get the ingredients – that’s great. Hopefully you like the sweet potatoes in this recipe – the key is to cut them into bite sized chunks and saute them so they’re slightly crispy. You could always add the onions to your portion and leave them out for your mom, because I think the onions are delicious in this recipe! Keep me posted on how it goes!

  7. Hey again,
    I forgot to comment on these tacos. They were AMAZING! THANK YOU! They are so flavorful and healthy. I love it. The one thing I did do is add chilli powder to the yogurt mix to make it extra spicy (I think next time I’ll get spicy taco seasoning though!) Thanks again! By the way, your trip to Italy looks amazing. Jealous! 😉 Thank you!

    Andy5 stars

    • Yayyy! That is so great! Love the chili powder idea too 🙂 And I’m so glad you liked my Italy photos!! It really was amazing — you have to make a trip out there when you get a chance! Hope you’re well, thanks again!

5 from 27 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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