Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe: How to Make Sweet Potato Tacos

Sweet potato tacos are vegetarian tacos that use roasted sweet potatoes instead of ground beef. This taco is a spin on a classic Mexican taco and shares many of the same flavors. Add black beans, bell peppers, or other ingredients to bulk up the taco and contribute protein and complex carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes contain potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, making them a nutrient-rich ingredient.

Taco meat substitutes are common among vegetarian recipes, but sweet potato tacos go far beyond just vegetarian. Try any of the other three versions below.

1. 1. Dairy-free sweet potato tacos: Instead of topping sweet potato tacos with sour cream or crema, opt for vegan sour cream or dairy-free yogurt. The tanginess from the vegan cream balances out the savory spices on the sweet potatoes. Alternatively, leave out the cream altogether and top the tacos with guacamole. To make weeknight dinners more convenient, make a big batch of roasted sweet potatoes on the weekend to use throughout the week.
2. 2. Gluten-free sweet potato tacos: Use corn tortillas or an alternative flour tortilla for gluten-free sweet potato tacos. Look out for gluten in store-bought corn tortillas or taco seasoning to keep all the ingredients gluten-free. For convenience, use roasted sweet potatoes from last night’s dinner—simply add taco seasoning and add the potatoes to warm tortillas.
3. 3. Vegan sweet potato tacos: Many flour tortilla recipes call for lard, which is an animal product. Swap out the lard for vegetable shortening or vegetable oil to keep your tacos vegan. Serve leftover sweet potatoes as a side dish or spoon the sweet potato taco filling into burritos or over nachos for alternative main dishes.