Smoky Tex-Mex Beef and Black Bean Tacos

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

Ground beef seasoned with smoky spices and combined with black beans creates a flavorful filling for soft corn tortillas topped with fresh salsa. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until heated through and combined.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl to make fresh salsa.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by spooning the beef and black bean mixture onto each tortilla and topping with the fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime wedge.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Tex-Mex Beef and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tex-Mex 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 (80% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tex-Mex 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 Tex-Mex 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 Tex-Mex Beef and Black Bean Tacos?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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