Casual Game Day Spiced Black Bean and Corn Tacos
Vibrant vegetarian tacos packed with smoky black beans and sweet corn, seasoned with a playful spice blend to keep your game day exciting. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs corn kernels (fresh or frozen), olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 wedges lime wedges
- 1/4 cup, optional sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup, optional shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup corn kernels and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until warmed through and spices are aromatic.
- Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Step 4: Divide the black bean and corn mixture evenly among the tortillas, then top each with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime from 4 wedges.
- Step 5: Optionally, add 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and flavor before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Casual Game Day Spiced 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 Casual Game Day Spiced 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Casual Game Day Spiced 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 Casual Game Day Spiced 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 Casual Game Day Spiced 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.
