A wholesome and flavorful dish featuring roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and vibrant toppings, delivering a nutritious twist on classic taco flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious & Balanced – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Bold & Flavorful – Smoky spices and fresh toppings create the perfect bite.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 grams) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-2 inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 pound (454 grams) extra-lean ground beef
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved, or 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, jalapeños, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled feta
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Toss the sweet potato cubes with vegetable oil and half of the seasoning mixture (about 2 tablespoons). Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, and the remaining seasoning mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- To assemble the bowls, evenly divide the roasted sweet potatoes, beef mixture, tomatoes, and avocado among four bowls. Add desired garnishes and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 452 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Dairy-Free: Skip cheese-based garnishes and use dairy-free sour cream.
- Spicier Version: Add extra cayenne, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or shrimp instead of beef.
- Grain Addition: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for extra heartiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the beef and sweet potato mixture separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for extra beans, lentils, or tofu.
How do I make it spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives.
Can I prep this meal in advance?
Yes! Cook the components separately and store them in airtight containers for easy assembly.
What can I serve with these taco bowls?
Pair with tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh roasted sweet potatoes work best, but canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch—just drain them well.
What other toppings go well with this dish?
Pickled onions, shredded lettuce, hot sauce, or crumbled cotija cheese are great additions.
Is this meal gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels for any cross-contamination.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw it before adding it to the dish.
How do I keep avocados from browning?
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the sliced avocado to help slow oxidation.
Conclusion
Southwestern Sweet Potato Taco Bowls are a flavorful, balanced, and wholesome meal that delivers a unique twist on taco night. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick dinner, these bowls are a delicious way to enjoy vibrant ingredients with bold southwestern flavors!
Print
Southwestern Sweet Potato Taco Bowls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant, nutritious bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and fresh toppings—a delicious twist on tacos!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) sweet potatoes, peeled & diced into 1–2 inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 lb (454 g) extra-lean ground beef
- 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes, diced)
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, jalapeños, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled feta
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Toss sweet potatoes with vegetable oil and half of the seasoning mixture (about 2 tbsp). Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in black beans, corn, and the remaining seasoning mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble bowls by evenly dividing roasted sweet potatoes, beef mixture, tomatoes, and avocado among four bowls. Add desired garnishes and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southwestern, Mexican-Inspired