Fort Worth-Inspired Sweet Corn and Black Bean Tacos
Tacos filled with smoky roasted sweet corn and black beans, topped with fresh salsa and creamy avocado for a playful Texas twist. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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
- 2 cups (about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup, diced cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1, sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup (optional) sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 2 cups fresh corn kernels with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Add the seasoned corn to the hot skillet and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is golden and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice to make a fresh salsa.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 6: Assemble the tacos by spooning the corn and black bean mixture evenly onto each tortilla. Top with fresh salsa, slices of 1 avocado, and a dollop of 1/4 cup sour cream if desired before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fort Worth-Inspired Sweet Corn and Black Bean Tacos 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 Fort Worth-Inspired Sweet Corn and Black Bean 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 Fort Worth-Inspired Sweet Corn and Black Bean 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 Fort Worth-Inspired Sweet Corn and Black Bean 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 Fort Worth-Inspired Sweet Corn and Black Bean 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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