Black Bean Tacos

Hearty and flavorful black bean tacos, perfect for a quick and satisfying main course. This recipe features a savory, spiced black bean filling, complemented by fresh toppings and warm tortillas.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 4
MexicanVegetarianPescatarianNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-FreeHigh-Protein

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.5 medium bell pepper (red or green), finely diced
  • 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz cans)
  • 0.5 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
  • 8 corn or flour tortillas
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced or diced
  • 0.5 cup salsa, your favorite
  • 0.25 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

  2. 2.

    Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

  3. 3.

    Add the rinsed and drained black beans and vegetable broth (or water) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.

  4. 4.

    Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash about half of the black beans directly in the skillet. This will create a creamy texture while leaving some whole beans for bite. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

  5. 5.

    Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

  6. 6.

    Warm the tortillas according to package directions, either in a dry skillet, microwave, or wrapped in foil in the oven.

  7. 7.

    To assemble the tacos, spoon a generous amount of the black bean filling into each warm tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, sliced red onion, diced avocado, a dollop of salsa, and crumbled cotija cheese, if using. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • 💡For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced) to the black bean filling.
  • 💡Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
  • 💡To warm tortillas perfectly, heat them one by one in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, until pliable and slightly charred.
  • 💡This black bean filling can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • 💡Experiment with other toppings like pickled red onions, thinly sliced radishes, a drizzle of sour cream or Mexican crema, or a sprinkle of shredded lettuce.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Basil Roux