These vegan black bean tacos are a quick, budget-friendly, and protein-rich meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry ingredients, the black beans are seasoned and mashed, then tucked into tortillas and cooked to achieve a delightful balance of creamy filling and crunchy texture. They are easy to customize with fresh toppings like tomatoes, cabbage, and a zesty lime sauce, making them a satisfying, healthy, and delicious plant-based dinner option.
Course Dinner Lunch
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword vegan black bean tacos
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
Black Bean Smash Mix
1can540 ml black beans, drained & rinsed
¼cupfinely chopped onion
2clovesgarlicminced
2tbspoats
1tbsptomato paste
1tspcumin
2tsptaco seasoning
1/4chopped Cilantro
2tsplime juice
1cupShredded vegan cheeseof your choice( optional)
Salt & pepper
Cilantro Lime Dressing
1packed cup fresh Cilantro stems OK
1tbsplime juiceabout ½ lime
1tbspolive oil
2–3 tbsp Greek yogurt
1small garlic cloveoption
1small fresh chili
¼tspsalt
1tbspwater to thin
½tspmaple syrup or sugaroptional, balances acidity
Tacos
8small flour tortillas
Oil for cookingoptional
Optional Toppings
Shredded lettuce
Pickled onions
Vegan mayo or yogurt sauce
Avocado slices
Tomatoes
Shredded cabbagegreen or red
Instructions
Make the Smash Mixture
In a bowl, mash black beans well.
Mix in onion, garlic, oats, tomato paste, spices, lime juice, and Cilantro.
The mixture should be thick and sticky like a burger patty mix.
Smash Onto Tortillas
Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with oil. (optional)
Take 2 tbsp of the mixture.
Spread thinly onto one side of the tortilla.
Sprinkle some cheese on top of each tortilla, if using.
Press firmly so it sticks well.
Cooking Method
Skillet Method
Heat a skillet with a little oil.
Place the tortilla bean-side down first.
Press with a spatula and cook for 3–4 minutes, until crispy.
Flip the tortilla and cook for 1–2 minutes on the other side.
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place prepared tacos on a lined baking sheet.
Bake 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Add everything to a blender or small food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add water slowly until you reach your desired drizzle consistency.
Taste and adjust salt, lime, or sweetness
Assemble Tacos
Add your favorite toppings and drizzle with cilantro lime dressing before serving.