Quick Chipotle Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Smoky chipotle black beans tucked into warm corn tortillas topped with creamy avocado lime sauce. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes turns canned black beans, drained and rinsed, chipotle in adobo sauce, minced, ground cumin into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups drained black beans, 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, stirring and cooking for 5 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine 1 whole ripe avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by spooning the chipotle black beans evenly onto each tortilla, topping with diced 1/4 cup red onion, 1 cup shredded lettuce, and drizzling generously with avocado crema.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Chipotle 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 Quick Chipotle Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Chipotle 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 Quick Chipotle Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Quick Chipotle 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.