Total Time: 15 minutes | Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes
These quick-assembly black bean tacos save dinnertime on busy weeknights when you need something customizable that requires zero advance planning.
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 8-10 taco shells or small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
For toppings (use what you have):
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Juice from 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add drained and rinsed black beans.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over beans and stir to coat. Mash about half the beans with the back of your spoon. This creates the perfect texture that even picky eaters won’t question – not too chunky, not too mushy.
- Cook beans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
- While beans cook, prepare your toppings and warm your taco shells according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes in a 350°F oven).
- Set up a taco bar with beans and all toppings so everyone can build their own perfect taco. Kid tip: Let them build their own! Ownership equals higher chance of eating.
Make It Your Own
Protein swap: Use refried beans or add 1/2 pound of cooked ground turkey or beef if you need to please meat-eaters.
- Make it creamy: Stir 2 tablespoons of cream cheese into the warm beans for an extra-creamy filling the kids will love.
- Make it spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beans for adults.
- No taco shells? Use tortilla chips for “nachos” instead, or serve as a bowl over rice.
- Low on toppings? Even just cheese works! These are forgiving and adaptable to whatever you have in the fridge.
Time-Saving Tips
Prep ahead: Chop toppings earlier in the day and store in the refrigerator.
- Double batch: Make extra beans to use for lunch quesadillas tomorrow.
- Less mess option: Serve as “walking tacos” in single-serve chip bags for nights when you’re eating between activities.
Looking for more sanity-saving recipes that actually work with real mom life? Submit your favorite go-to meal to contact@organizedmomcollective.com and you might be featured in our next recipe roundup!
