Layered Fourth-Order Black Bean and Corn Tacos

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

Soft corn tortillas layered with spiced black beans, fresh corn salsa, and creamy avocado for a vibrant taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs small (6-inch) corn tortillas, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, fresh or frozen, thawed corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until beans are heated through and spices are fragrant.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Mix gently to create the corn salsa.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Assemble the tacos by layering 2 tbsp of the spiced black beans onto each tortilla, followed by 2 tbsp of the corn salsa, and 3-4 slices of avocado.
  5. Step 5: Optional: drizzle each taco with 1 tbsp sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, layered flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Fourth-Order Black Bean and Corn Tacos 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 Layered Fourth-Order Black Bean and Corn 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 small (6-inch) corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Fourth-Order Black Bean and Corn 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 Layered Fourth-Order Black Bean and Corn 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.

Is Layered Fourth-Order Black Bean and Corn Tacos 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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