Spiced Mexican Beef and Black Bean Tacos

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

Soft corn tortillas filled with cumin-spiced ground beef and smoky black beans, topped with fresh cilantro and tangy lime for an easy taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, black beans, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
3 minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 wedges lime wedges
1/2 cup (optional) sour cream

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Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla, then top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of 1/2 cup sour cream if using. Serve immediately with 4 lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mexican Beef and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Mexican 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 Spiced Mexican 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 Spiced Mexican 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 Spiced Mexican 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.