Hidden Spice Mexican Beef and Black Bean Tacos

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

Warm corn tortillas filled with spiced ground beef and black beans, topped with fresh cilantro and a zesty lime crema for a satisfying taco night. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed, medium yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, cooking for 7-8 minutes until beef is browned and onion is softened, breaking up meat with a spoon.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and cook for an additional 3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: While the filling cooks, warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 1 tbsp lime juice to make a zesty crema.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by spooning the beef and black bean mixture into each tortilla, topping with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lime crema. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Spice Mexican Beef and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Hidden Spice Mexican 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 ground beef (80% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Spice Mexican 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 Hidden Spice Mexican 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 Hidden Spice Mexican Beef and Black Bean Tacos?

Mexican beef 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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