Smoky Beef and Black Bean Tacos

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

Slow-simmered beef with smoky chipotle and earthy black beans, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground beef, (15 oz, drained) black beans, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown 12 oz ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, breaking into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp chipotle powder, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until flavors blend and liquid reduces slightly.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by filling each tortilla with 3/4 cup beef mixture, 1/4 cup shredded lettuce, and 2 tbsp diced avocado.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky 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 Smoky 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky 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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