Description
This Sweet Potato Taco Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious meal combining roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with smoky spices, lean ground beef cooked with black beans and corn, and fresh tomatoes and avocado. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this dish blends bold Mexican-inspired spices with wholesome ingredients for a balanced and delicious taco-inspired bowl.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika (or hot smoked paprika for extra spice)
- 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 powder (optional, very spicy)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lbs (454 grams) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1–2” cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lbs (454 grams) extra lean ground beef
- 1 14 oz. (330 ml) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (from can or 2 ears fresh corn, shucked and kernels removed)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved OR 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a tender texture.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. This blend forms a deeply flavorful seasoning base for both the potatoes and the beef mixture.
- Prepare and Roast Sweet Potatoes: Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with vegetable oil and about half of the spice mixture (approximately 2 tablespoons) ensuring even coating. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and cooked through.
- Cook the Beef and Beans: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat leaving about a tablespoon. Add the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, and remaining spice mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook until heated through.
- Assemble Taco Bowls: Serve by either presenting the ingredients separately for family-style serving or combine portions of roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned beef and beans, cherry tomatoes (or chopped tomatoes), and sliced avocado in individual bowls.
- Add Optional Garnishes: Enhance your taco bowls with toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, or crumbled feta cheese according to your preference.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot smoked paprika and increase cayenne pepper as desired.
- Use fresh corn for a sweeter flavor or canned corn for convenience.
- Extra toppings like sour cream or feta add creaminess and contrast to the spicy seasoning.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace ground beef with a plant-based protein or extra beans.
- Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
