Best Choice Vegetarian Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in lime juice until evenly distributed—this is the best choice for brightness.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately—each bite is the best ever because it has the perfect balance of 'best' beans and 'the best' avocado.

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 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

Related recipes