Casual Game Day Spiced Black Bean and Corn Tacos

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

Flavorful black bean and corn tacos seasoned with smoky spices, perfect for a fun and easy game day meal with friends and family. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs black beans, corn kernels, olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and 1 cup corn kernels. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the black bean and corn filling evenly onto each tortilla. Top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and optional sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately for a fun and casual game day feast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Casual Game Day Spiced Black Bean and Corn Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 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 black beans 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.