Description
Mexican-inspired black bean tacos deliver a crunchy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp tortillas cradle spicy beans, zesty toppings, and bold seasonings, creating a simple meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Black Bean Filling Ingredients:
- 2 14-ounce (400 grams) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable broth or stock
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil, divided
- 1 lime, juiced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon adobo sauce)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Assembly Ingredients:
- 8–10 corn tortillas
- 6 ounces (170 grams) Pepper Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Mashed avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or cashew crema
- Pickled red onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Salsa of choice
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F, positioning the rack in the center position. Organize and prepare all necessary ingredients for efficient cooking.
- In a skillet, sauté onions in oil with a pinch of salt until they become translucent and soft. Incorporate garlic, chipotle, spices, and tomato paste, stirring until the mixture becomes aromatic and deeply fragrant.
- Pour black beans and broth into the skillet, gently simmering and partially mashing the beans to create a rustic, textured filling. Squeeze fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
- Warm tortillas briefly in a damp paper towel using the microwave. Generously brush a baking sheet with oil and thoroughly coat each tortilla on both sides to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Layer the bean mixture on one half of each tortilla, sprinkle cheese generously, then fold the tortillas into a half-moon shape. Position the tacos with the cheese side facing down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then carefully flip the tacos. Continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Allow the tacos to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with desired toppings.
Notes
- Adapt Heat Levels Easily control spiciness by adjusting chipotle and spice quantities to match personal preference or dietary needs.
- Boost Protein Power Swap black beans with lentils, chickpeas, or add shredded chicken for varied protein sources and dietary flexibility.
- Perfect Crispiness Ensure tortillas get extra crispy by patting them dry before oiling and using a heavy baking sheet for even heat distribution.
- Make-Ahead Magic Prepare bean filling and assemble tacos in advance, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg