Game Day Spicy Black Bean and Corn Tacos
Bold and spicy black bean and corn tacos that deliver a satisfying crunch and flavor perfect for game day snacking. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (15 oz) black beans, canned and drained, corn kernels, frozen or canned, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, canned and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (optional) sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely diced red onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds until pliable.
- Step 5: Spoon the black bean and corn mixture evenly onto each tortilla. Top with 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt if using. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Game Day Spicy Black Bean and Corn Tacos 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 Game Day Spicy 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Game Day Spicy 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 Game Day Spicy 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 Game Day Spicy 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect balance of heat and flavor. My go-to for game days.
- ★★★★★
The black beans and corn combo is amazing. Great for parties.
- ★★★★★
So flavorful and easy to make. Will make again! The corn really brightens up the dish.