Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Mini tacos filled with seasoned black beans and topped with a smooth avocado crema for a fresh, spicy vegetarian street food experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs small corn tortillas, olive oil, cumin powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup drained black beans, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: While beans cook, prepare avocado crema by blending 1 medium avocado with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves, and 1 small minced jalapeño until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  4. Step 4: To assemble, spoon about 2 tbsp of the spiced black beans onto each tortilla and drizzle with 1 tbsp of avocado crema. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 small corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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.