A busy schedule calls for dinners that are fast to prepare yet still satisfying. For many, the answer is a simple, make-ahead component that can be turned into a meal in minutes. One option is a crispy baked black bean taco.
The dish relies on a smashed black bean filling that can be prepared in advance. When ready to eat, the filling is placed in a tortilla with cheese, folded, and cooked until crispy in a pan.
Ingredients for Crispy Black Bean Tacos
The recipe uses common pantry items. The list includes a small yellow onion for sweetness, garlic for depth, and tomato paste for richness. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky, spicy flavor, while a tablespoon of taco seasoning serves as a convenient shortcut.
Salsa is used to add more flavor and texture. The base of the filling is a can of black beans, though pinto or kidney beans can also work. For assembly, tortillas and a cheese that melts well are needed.
How to Prepare These Crispy Baked Black Bean Tacos
The process begins by building flavor in a pan. Onions are cooked until soft and golden. Tomato paste is then added and cooked until it deepens in color. Chipotle peppers and taco seasoning are stirred in until fragrant.
The beans and salsa, including the bean liquid, are added to the pan. The mixture is simmered and the beans are mashed with the back of a spoon. It is cooked until thick and most of the liquid has cooked off.
To assemble, cheese is sprinkled on one half of a tortilla. A spoonful of the black bean mixture is added, followed by a little more cheese. The tortilla is folded into a half-moon shape.
The tacos are cooked in a pan with a small amount of oil over medium heat. They are cooked for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, with the cheese inside melted.
Cooking tips include letting the tacos sit in the pan to develop a crispy edge and not overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
What to Serve with These Crispy Baked Black Bean Tacos
These tacos can be served alone or with sides for a more complete meal. Classic guacamole or an avocado crema are recommended toppings. A fresh corn salad or a chopped Mexican salad can provide a crisp contrast to the rich tacos. A good store-bought salsa is also a suitable option.
The recipe yields four servings. The total preparation and cooking time is approximately forty minutes. The dish is categorized as a taco.
