Chipotle-Lime Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Smoky chipotle black beans wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with a silky avocado crema and fresh cilantro for a vibrant Mexican taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes turns drained and rinsed canned black beans, ground cumin, olive oil into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups drained black beans, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 5 minutes, mashing some beans with the back of a spoon until thickened and heated through. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: In a blender, combine 1 peeled avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning the black bean mixture evenly onto each tortilla, drizzling with avocado crema, and garnishing with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle-Lime Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Chipotle-Lime Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chipotle-Lime Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 Chipotle-Lime Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Chipotle-Lime Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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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