Description
These crispy baked black bean tacos are a flavorful, high-protein vegetarian dinner option that’s vegan-friendly and gluten free. Featuring a seasoned black bean filling baked inside corn tortillas with melted Mexican cheese, they’re perfect served with a refreshing homemade cilantro lime crema. A family favorite that’s easy to prepare and packed with vibrant spices and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Bean Mixture
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4-ounce can diced green chiles
- ½ cup water
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ cup diced cilantro
Tacos
- 8-10 corn tortillas (depending on size)
- 6 ounces shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 batch cilantro lime crema (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the tacos until crispy.
- Sauté Onion: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add tomato paste and toast it by cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Add Spices and Beans: Mix in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Then add the drained black beans, diced green chiles, and water.
- Simmer and Mash Beans: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture thickens. Optionally, mash some beans with a fork for texture. Stir in diced cilantro and lime juice to combine well.
- Warm Tortillas: Microwave tortillas for about 30 seconds to make them pliable and easier to fold.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon 3-4 tablespoons of the bean mixture onto one side of each tortilla, then top with shredded cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over and press down to seal.
- Prepare for Baking: Place folded tacos on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with oil and optionally sprinkle extra cheese on the outside.
- Bake Tacos: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the tacos are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve hot with extra cilantro, cilantro lime crema, and/or your favorite hot sauce. Enjoy your delicious crispy baked black bean tacos!
Notes
- You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if not gluten free.
- Swap the Mexican cheese for dairy-free or vegan cheese to make the tacos entirely vegan.
- Serve with cilantro lime crema or hot sauce to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
