Homestyle Mexican Beef and Black Bean Tacos

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

Savory ground beef seasoned with classic Mexican spices combined with black beans, served in warm corn tortillas topped with fresh garnishes. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), canned black beans, drained and rinsed, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 medium finely chopped onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon until browned and onion is softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning beef and bean mixture into each tortilla. Top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup diced white onion, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Homestyle 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 Homestyle 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 Homestyle 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 Homestyle 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 Homestyle 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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