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    Home » Real Food » Vegetarian Recipes

    Easy Black Bean Tacos

    January 9, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 18 Comments | *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Taco Lovers rejoice over this simple, healthy taco recipe. Made with pantry ingredients in less than 15 minutes, these Bean Tacos are a quick dinner recipe that your family is sure to love!

    Made with simple pantry staples, these easy Black Bean Tacos make a healthy, inexpensive meal that is perfect for busy nights!

    Taco Lovers rejoice over this simple, healthy taco recipe. Made with pantry ingredients in less than 15 minutes, these Bean Tacos are a quick vegetarian dinner recipe that your family is sure to love! Serve them with a Tropical Kale Smoothie and Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice for a meal no one will be able to resist.

    Baked Black Bean Tacos in white dish topped with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro and avocado.

    Black Bean Tacos are one of the easiest dinner recipes to prepare when you are low on time or energy.

    Made with simple ingredients and a few tricks, these Bean Tacos come together in just over 15 minutes to create a meal that is surprisingly full of flavor.

    Instead of taco meat, this vegetarian taco recipe is made with canned black beans that are perfectly spiced with salsa, cumin, and paprika to create a wholesome, cheap base for the tacos. Finished with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and bright avocado cream, simple beans are elevated to create a healthy meal in minutes.

    The next time you need an inexpensive, easy meal, give these Black Bean Tacos a try, they are a perfect meal for a quick lunch or simple weeknight dinner.

    Key Ingredients

    This recipe is made with the most basic ingredients and they can be changed up to suit your desires and dietary needs.

    Ingredients for black bean tacos labeled on counter.
    • Black Beans: To keep this recipe simple, I rely on canned beans. While the recipe is for black beans, you can certainly use pinto beans or red beans.
    • Salsa: Using jarred salsa is the perfect shortcut to creating the perfect flavorful sauce for the black bean tacos. The salsa already has peppers, onions, and tomatoes and adds layers of flavor and a nice sauciness to the beans. This is one time I do prefer using jarred salsa over homemade salsa, as the jarred salsa has been cooked down longer and is much thicker, which creates a quick saucy base for the tacos without the need to simmer long.
    • Spices: Instead of using taco seasoning, the taco filling only needs a bit of paprika and cumin to help compliment the flavor of the prepared salsa. If you have smoked paprika on hand, I highly recommend using that for a nice smokey flavor, but regular paprika will work. 
    • Taco Shells: For this recipe, I find hard tortilla shells are best as they provide a great crunch factor in contrast to soft beans. However, feel free to use corn or flour tortillas. Tip: look for the taco shells that stand up so they are easy to fill! 
    • Cheese: The cheese not only adds flavor and richness to these tacos but also works as a barrier between the taco shell and the beans which keeps the taco shell from becoming soggy. Use shredded Colby, cheddar, or a Mexican blend. Feel free to omit the cheese or use vegan cheese to keep these tacos dairy-free.   
    • Limes: The addition of lime zest to the black bean filling, makes these humble tacos taste incredibly fresh and flavorful. Use the juice of the lime to mash with the avocado to create a rich, creamy topping for the tacos. 
    • Toppings: Shredded, lettuce, shredded cabbages, sour cream, fresh tomatoes, salsa, hot sauce, cilantro, and mashed avocado are all delicious suggestions for topping these black bean tacos. I personally prefer a combination of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and mashed avocado.

    How to Make Black Bean Tacos

    There are a few tips for making a really good, yet simple black taco. It is all about building flavor and layering your taco shell the right way. With a few tips, you can create these tacos from start to finish in just about 15 minutes. 

    • If using hard taco shells to build your tacos, begin this recipe by placing your tacos in a baking dish and sprinkling the bottom of the shells with a thin layer of shredded cheese. Pop the shells into a preheated oven to toast, while you prepare the filling for the tacos. The melted cheese forms a barrier between the beans and shells, keeping your taco shells from getting soggy from the saucy bean mixture. 
    Side by side photo showing hard taco shells with layer of shredded cheese on bottom before and after baking.
    • Drain and rinse the black beans and add them to a small saucepan or nonstick frying pan, add in the salsa, cumin, and paprika. 
    • Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, and then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes. 
    • Turn off the heat and stir in the zest of the fresh lime into the black bean mixture. 
    Black beans in saute pan after being simmered with salsa.
    • Once the bean mixture has been simmered, remove the taco shells from the oven and add divide the bean mixture between the shells. 
    Side by side photo showing taco shells after adding beans and topping with cheese.
    • Top with additional shredded cheese and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes, just to melt the cheese. 
    • While the tacos are baking, combine the flesh of the avocado, with the lime juice, cilantro, and a good pinch of salt in a small food processor. Process until smooth, adding water a little bit of water if needed to thin.
    Blended avocado lime sauce in small food processor next to citrus juicer.
    • Remove the tacos from the oven and top them as desired with the avocado mash, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
    Baked black bean tacos next to topping and plates ready to be served.

    Storage

    It is important to note that baked tacos are best served immediately after assembling, to keep the shells super crispy and the cheese warm and gooey. That said, you can store the leftover black bean filling in an airtight container for up to 5 days and assemble tacos as desired.

    And if you find yourself with leftover baked tacos, don't through them away! Crumble them up and store the mixture in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, toast the mixture, shells and all, in a dry skillet over medium heat. Serve over a bed of lettuce for a tasty taco salad. Talk about zero food waste.

    More Meatless Taco Recipes

    • Lentil Tacos
    • Sweet Potato Tacos
    • Cauliflower Tacos

    If you tried these Black Bean Tacos, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    black bean tacos in white baking dish topped with diced tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado sauce.

    Black Bean Tacos

    Made with pantry ingredients in less than 15 minutes, these Black Bean Tacos are a quick dinner recipe that your family is sure to love!
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 303kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    Black Bean Tacos

    • 12 hard taco shells
    • 1 cup shredded cheese sharp white or yellow cheddar
    • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans rinsed and drained
    • ½ cup jarred salsa mild or medium heat level
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 lime zested
    • Desired Toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, onions, etc)

    Optional Avocado Mash

    • 2 ripe avocados
    • 1 lime
    • ¼ cup cilantro
    • ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Arrange Taco Shells upright in a baking dish Use crumbled-up foil if needed to help shells stay upright or an inverted muffin tin. Bake the shells for 3 minutes. 
    • Remove the taco shells from the oven and sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese over the bottom of the shells. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. 
    • While the taco shells are baking, drain and rinse the black beans and add them to a small saucepan or nonstick frying pan, add in the salsa, cumin, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat, and then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the zest of the fresh lime into the black bean mixture.
    • Remove the baked taco shells from the oven and top each shell with about ¼ cup of the bean mixture. Sprinkle with additional cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 
    • Serve with desired toppings and avocado mash if desired.

    Avocado Mash (optional)

    • In a small food processor or blender, mix together avocados, salt, lime juice, and cilantro together until smooth. Or simply mash everything together with a fork for a chunkier avocado mash. Taste and add additional salt if needed.

    Notes

    Taco Shells: In place of hard taco shells, feel free to use flour or corn tortillas. Simply heat your tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side and fill with the bean mixture and top with cheese and desired toppings. 
    Storage: These tacos are best served immediately once assembled. The black bean mixture will keep in the fridge for up 3 days. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 9g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 2.4mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This post was originally published in 2017 but has been updated in 2023 with new pictures and tips. 

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    Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos »

    Categorized Under: 30-Minute Meals, Allergy Friendly Recipes, Budget Cooking, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Main Courses, Real Food, Vegetarian Recipes

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Sam

      March 12, 2020 at 10:00 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great weeknight dinner. My family loves tacos and with this recipe, I am now able to make our weekly dinners even more exciting and delicious.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 12, 2020 at 10:08 am

        I am so glad your family enjoyed Sam!

        Reply
    2. Toni

      March 06, 2020 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      That is so good! My family loved it!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 06, 2020 at 1:02 pm

        I am so glad to hear that Toni.

        Reply
    3. Laura

      March 05, 2020 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      These are perfect for taco night! So easy to whip up!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 06, 2020 at 6:32 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed. We do love how simple these are.

        Reply
    4. Lauren Kelly

      March 05, 2020 at 11:09 am

      5 stars
      Simply delicious! I am definitely adding this to my rotation regularly! YUM!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        March 06, 2020 at 6:36 am

        It is a regular at our house Lauren as well! Glad you enjoyed

        Reply
    5. Beth

      May 11, 2019 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      When you need a quick, tasty, meatless meal - this recipe! This is just what my busy weekdays (and weekends) need! Delicious!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 12, 2019 at 8:51 am

        I am always needing a quick meal myself Beth! So glad this recipe helps you out on those busy nights as well.

        Reply
    6. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      May 11, 2019 at 12:04 am

      5 stars
      I love your recipe, I'll be making it again!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 11, 2019 at 7:41 am

        It is so simple, yet such a family favorite.

        Reply
    7. Hazel Hummel

      January 17, 2019 at 2:39 pm

      I love the recipe but I like to get extra fiber by using soft tacos underneath with cheese between to keep
      them together and keep the tacos from falling apart

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 17, 2019 at 2:53 pm

        That is a great tip! Thanks Hazel!

        Reply
    8. Jillian

      August 16, 2018 at 11:39 pm

      5 stars
      Tacos are a weekly occurrence at my house and these were delicious! I will be making them again!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 17, 2018 at 7:24 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed these Jillian!

        Reply
    9. Brandi

      August 16, 2018 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      Black beans in tacos! How amazing and delicious, healthy and so easy to make.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 17, 2018 at 7:25 am

        These are SO easy and tasty aren't they!

        Reply

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