Black Bean Tacos
These Crispy Black Bean Tacos are everything you want in a meal: bold, smoky, and full of satisfying texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with friends and family, these tacos are baked to crispy perfection in the oven, making them easy to prepare and slightly healthier than their fried counterparts. With a smoky chipotle kick and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
At the heart of these tacos is a savory black bean filling that’s loaded with flavor. Black beans, known for their creamy texture and earthy taste, are combined with smoky chipotle in adobo sauce, garlic, onions, and a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. A splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro brighten the filling, balancing the smoky and spicy flavors beautifully.
For added creaminess, you can mix in a touch of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a dollop of mashed avocado. The result is a hearty, protein-packed filling that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
While these tacos shine as a vegetarian dish, they’re incredibly versatile. If you’re craving a bit more protein or want to mix things up, try adding shredded chicken, ground beef, or even crumbled tofu to the black bean mixture. For a plant-based option, swap in lentils or chickpeas, and use dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan.
Instead of frying, these tacos are baked in the oven, allowing the tortillas to crisp up while the filling stays warm and gooey. Corn tortillas are brushed with a light coating of oil, folded around the black bean filling, and baked until golden and crispy. This method ensures a satisfying crunch without the extra grease, making the tacos lighter yet just as delicious.
What’s a taco without toppings? Once your tacos are crispy and hot out of the oven, it’s time to pile on the toppings. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a drizzle of crema or sour cream add fresh and creamy elements. Sprinkle on some shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, or a handful of crumbled queso fresco for even more flavor.
And don’t forget the salsa! Whether you prefer a smoky chipotle salsa, a bright pico de gallo, or a tangy tomatillo sauce, it’s the perfect complement to these tacos.
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp olive oil
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⅓ cup red onions, chopped , white or yellow onion will work well.
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 14 oz cans black beans
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2 Tbsp tomato paste
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1 cup tomatoes, chopped
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 ½ tsp chili powder
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1 ½ chipotle peppers in adobo , about 1 Tbsp, chipotle peppers in adobo are spicy, add more for extra spice or less to make it milder
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1 ½ Tbsp liquid smoke, optional, This adds a nice smoky flavor to the beans.
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½ cup cheese, shredded, any cheese of choice
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10-12 corn tortillas , flour or corn will work great. Use small taco sized tortillas.
Toppings (Optional)
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4 Tbsp sour cream
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sliced avocado
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4 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
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1 jalapeño, sliced
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1 lime, sliced
DIRECTION
Gather the ingredients, chop the tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add oil and chopped onions to the skillet. Preheat the oven to 375º.
Sauté the onions for about 3 minutes. Next, add all the black bean mix ingredients: tomato paste, chipotle adobo, black beans, tomatoes, garlic, seasoning, liquid smoke.
Let the mixture cook down a bit and cook together. It should look similar to refried beans a bit. Squeeze the fresh lime in it. Save the rest of the lime for serving.
Wrap about 12-14 tortillas in a damp paper towel, microwave them for 30 seconds. Working quickly, spritz the tortillas with oil spray, add about 1/4 cup or less of bean mixture to the tortilla, generously add shredded cheese and seal/press closed. Continue the process until the cooking sheet is full.
Place in the oven for about 10-14 minutes or until the cheese is melted and crisped on the edges of the tacos and the tacos are lightly browned.
Let them cool a bit, add sour cream, sliced jalapeños, avocado, cilantro and any other topping of choice! Enjoy.