Diverse Ethnic Black Bean and Corn Tacos

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

Flavorful vegetarian tacos packed with smoky black beans, sweet corn, and a vibrant salsa. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs corn tortillas, black beans, drained and rinsed, corn kernels, fresh or frozen 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 1/2 cups drained black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for brightness.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning the black bean and corn mixture evenly onto tortillas, topping with sliced avocado and 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Diverse Ethnic 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 Diverse Ethnic 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 corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Diverse Ethnic 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 Diverse Ethnic 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 Diverse Ethnic 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.

What others are saying