Half-Portion Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

A quick and flavorful black bean taco recipe scaled to half portions, topped with a smooth avocado crema for a fresh finish. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, 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 2, 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: 10 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 can (7.5 oz) drained and rinsed black beans along with 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are warmed through and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: While beans cook, in a small bowl mash 1/2 peeled and pitted ripe avocado with 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Warm 4 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Divide the spiced black beans evenly among the tortillas. Top each with a dollop of avocado crema and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over all. Serve immediately for a quick, balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Portion Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Half-Portion Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 Half-Portion Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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-Portion Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-Portion Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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.

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