Simple Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Easy-to-make black bean tacos seasoned with warm spices and topped with a fresh cilantro lime slaw for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs drained and rinsed canned black beans, olive oil, ground cumin 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: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 15 oz drained and rinsed black beans, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until beans are heated through and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss 2 cups shredded green cabbage with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by spooning the spiced black beans evenly onto each tortilla, then topping with a generous amount of cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw 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 Simple Spiced 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Spiced 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 Simple Spiced 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.

Is Simple Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw 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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