Simple Spiced Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 (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.

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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.