Best-Spiced Black Bean Tacos
Flavorful black beans simmered with smoky spices, served in warm corn tortillas with avocado and lime crema for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (15 oz), rinsed black beans, chicken or vegetable broth, smoked paprika 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), rinsed black beans
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1, sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup (mix 2 tbsp sour cream + 1 tbsp lime juice) lime crema
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced red bell pepper and onion, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Stir in rinsed black beans, broth, smoked paprika, cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 3: Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
- Step 4: Spoon black bean mixture onto tortillas, top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema. Serve immediately while tortillas are warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Spiced Black Bean Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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-Spiced Black Bean 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), rinsed black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Spiced Black Bean 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-Spiced Black Bean 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-Spiced Black Bean 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
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