Best Choice Vegetarian Tacos
A vibrant taco filling where 'best' black beans and 'the best' corn meld with smoky spices for a crowd-pleasing meal. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (15 oz) black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 8 taco shells
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 diced avocado
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse black beans, then transfer to a medium saucepan. Add corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and minced red onion. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup water, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until flavors meld and liquid reduces slightly.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in lime juice until evenly distributed—this is the best choice for brightness.
- Step 3: Warm taco shells in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. Fill each shell with 1/2 cup of the bean mixture, then top with shredded lettuce and diced avocado.
- Step 4: Serve immediately—each bite is the best ever because it has the perfect balance of 'best' beans and 'the best' avocado.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Choice Vegetarian Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Best Choice Vegetarian 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 (15 oz) black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best Choice Vegetarian 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 Best Choice Vegetarian 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 Best Choice Vegetarian 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
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
