Cool Arcade-Inspired Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema
A fun, spicy taco recipe packed with smoky black beans and topped with a smooth avocado crema for a refreshing balance. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs black beans, cooked and drained, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 1/2 cups black beans, cooked and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; cook for 5 minutes, mashing some beans with the back of a spoon to create texture.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare avocado crema by combining 1 medium ripe avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 minced garlic clove in a blender; blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 4: Assemble tacos by spooning the spicy black bean mixture evenly onto each tortilla, topping with a dollop of avocado crema, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cool Arcade-Inspired Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Cool Arcade-Inspired Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Cool Arcade-Inspired Spicy 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 Cool Arcade-Inspired Spicy 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 Cool Arcade-Inspired Spicy 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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