Philo Farnsworth-Inspired Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Hearty roasted sweet potatoes and smoky black beans wrapped in warm tortillas, celebrating innovation and comfort in every bite. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, olive oil, ground cumin 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
- 1/2 cup for topping (optional) sour cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes (1/2-inch cubes) with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and edges caramelize.
- Step 3: While potatoes roast, heat 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder and cook for 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing roasted sweet potatoes and black beans evenly among tortillas. Top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of 1/2 cup sour cream if using.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Philo Farnsworth-Inspired Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Philo Farnsworth-Inspired Roasted Sweet Potato and 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 Philo Farnsworth-Inspired Roasted Sweet Potato and 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 Philo Farnsworth-Inspired Roasted Sweet Potato and 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 Philo Farnsworth-Inspired Roasted Sweet Potato and 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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The spices were just right and the sweet potato was so sweet.
- ★★★★★
These tacos are a new family favorite! The sweet potatoes roasted perfectly and the black beans added a great texture.
- ★★★★★
So delicious and easy to make. My vegan friends loved the recipe!








