Half-Hour Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos

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

Boldly seasoned ground beef and black beans come together in flavorful tacos topped with fresh salsa and creamy avocado. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, small, finely chopped 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, stirring gently to combine and warming through for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by spooning the beef and bean mixture into tortillas, topping each with slices from 1 avocado and sprinkling 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with 4 lime wedges for squeezing over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Half-Hour Spiced 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 Half-Hour Spiced 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 Half-Hour Spiced 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 Half-Hour Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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