Half-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

Soft corn tortillas filled with ground beef seasoned with half the usual amount of chili spices, topped with a fresh cilantro lime slaw for balanced heat and crunch. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, ground chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 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 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 tsp ground chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 (15 oz) can drained and rinsed black beans to the beef mixture, stir to combine, and heat through for 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, toss 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Mix in 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt to make a creamy slaw.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Fill each tortilla with the beef and bean mixture, then top with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw and a sprinkle of the remaining 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw 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-Spiced Beef and Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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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