Budget-Friendly Mexican Black Bean and Corn Tacos

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

Simple and satisfying tacos filled with seasoned black beans and sweet corn, topped with fresh salsa and creamy avocado. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs small corn tortillas, thawed frozen corn kernels, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 cup thawed corn, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until the beans and corn are heated through and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  3. Step 3: To assemble, evenly distribute the bean and corn mixture among the tortillas. Top each with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, slices from 1 medium ripe avocado, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup diced tomato, and 1/4 cup diced red onion for fresh, bright flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget-Friendly Mexican Black Bean and Corn Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Budget-Friendly Mexican Black Bean and Corn 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 small corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Mexican Black Bean and Corn 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 Budget-Friendly Mexican Black Bean and Corn 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 Budget-Friendly Mexican Black Bean and Corn 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.

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