Budget Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-rich taco filling made with affordable pantry items and seasonal vegetables. This mexican-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, black beans, corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 diced medium sweet potatoes and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 finely chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until onion is translucent. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, and 1 cup frozen corn kernels. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice, then remove from heat. Serve warm in 8 small corn tortillas topped with sliced avocado.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Budget Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Budget Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Budget Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Budget Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes