Name: Crispy Sheet Pan Black Bean Tacos (Vegetarian) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; Optional: 1 chipotle pepper (from a can, packed in adobo sauce), finely chopped OR 1 tablespoon adobo sauce for less spice; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin; 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika; Two 14-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup vegetable broth or stock; 1 lime, juiced; Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season; 8-10 corn tortillas; 6 ounces Pepper Jack or melty cheese of choice, freshly shredded; Shredded lettuce; Mashed avocado or guacamole; Sour cream or cashew crema; Pickled red onions; Chopped cilantro; Salsa of choice; Lime wedges

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 medium yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated

Optional: 1 chipotle pepper (from a can, packed in adobo sauce), finely chopped OR 1 tablespoon adobo sauce for less spice

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 ½ teaspoons chili powder

1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

Two 14-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed

½ cup vegetable broth or stock

1 lime, juiced

8-10 corn tortillas

6 ounces Pepper Jack or melty cheese of choice, freshly shredded

Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

For serving (optional): shredded lettuce, mashed avocado or guacamole, sour cream or cashew crema, pickled red onions, chopped cilantro, salsa of choice, lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and position a rack in the center. Gather and prep all ingredients to have everything ready before cooking.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the garlic and chipotle pepper or adobo sauce if using. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, stirring to coat the onions. Cook 1-2 more minutes until very fragrant.

Step 4: Add the drained black beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the aromatics. Cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Pour in the vegetable broth and increase heat to bring to a simmer. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mash the beans slightly, binding the mixture. Cook another 1-2 minutes if needed to thicken. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Meanwhile, wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to steam and make them pliable.

Step 6: Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Place the warmed tortillas on the sheet, flipping once or twice to coat both sides evenly with oil.

Step 7: Spread the black bean filling over half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the tortillas over to form tacos, pressing lightly. Flip each taco so the cheese side is down for crispier results.

Step 8: Bake the tacos in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Carefully flip them using a spatula and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool for 2-3 minutes; the tacos will crisp up more as they rest.

Step 9: Serve the crispy black bean tacos warm with your favorite toppings such as cashew crema, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, or avocado. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky heat, add more chipotle or spice up with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Substitute Pepper Jack with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.

Make it gluten-free by confirming your corn tortillas are 100% corn with no additives.

Add diced roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the bean filling for more texture.

Use fresh lime wedges right before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative. You can also replace sour cream with cashew crema or another vegan sauce for serving.

What can I use instead of black beans?

You can substitute pinto beans or refried beans for a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure they are well-drained and mashed slightly for the filling.