Chipotle Black Bean Tacos
The classic taco filling gets a smoky, spicy upgrade with the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Here's how to make them at home.
The black bean taco is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, but it can be so much more than just a vegetarian option. With the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, these tacos take on a whole new level of flavor. The chipotles add a smoky, spicy heat that perfectly complements the earthy black beans. And because the peppers are canned in a tomato-based sauce, they also add a bit of tanginess and sweetness to the mix. The best part about these tacos is that they're incredibly easy to make. Simply mash the black beans until mostly smooth, then add them to a skillet with the chipotle peppers, oil, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the black beans are heated through. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice, then warm the tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle until soft and pliable. Fill the tortillas with the black bean mixture and serve with additional lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Chipotle Black Bean Tacos Chipotle Black Bean Tacos Chipotle Black Bean Tacos Chipotle Black Bean Tacos
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth.
  2. Add the chipotle pepper, oil, onion, and bell pepper to a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the black beans and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more.
  5. Stir in the cilantro.
  6. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle until soft and pliable.
  7. Fill the tortillas with the black bean mixture and serve with lime wedges.
Why It Works
  • Mashing the black beans until mostly smooth creates a creamy texture that helps to bind the filling together.
  • Adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the filling gives it a smoky, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the earthy black beans.
  • Cooking the vegetables until they are softened helps to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Stirring in the cilantro and lime juice at the end adds a fresh, bright flavor to the filling.
  • Warming the tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle until they are soft and pliable makes them easier to fold and prevents them from tearing.