Garland-Inspired Tex-Mex Beef and Black Bean Tacos

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

Soft corn tortillas filled with spiced ground beef and black beans, topped with fresh salsa and regional Tex-Mex flavors for a satisfying taco night. This mexican ready in about 30 minutes pairs (80% lean) ground beef, olive oil, small, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup drained black beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spices are well incorporated and beans are heated through.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to make a fresh salsa.
  7. Step 7: Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef and bean mixture into each tortilla, topping with the fresh salsa, and serving with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garland-Inspired Tex-Mex Beef 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 Garland-Inspired Tex-Mex Beef 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 (80% lean) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garland-Inspired Tex-Mex Beef 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 Garland-Inspired Tex-Mex Beef 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.

What goes well with Garland-Inspired Tex-Mex Beef and Black Bean Tacos?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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