10 Bountiful Bean-Based Tacos

Whether you are going traditional Mexican-inspired or all-out inventive, there are so many ways to enjoy the fun finger food that is the taco.  You can find them in Mexican restaurants, on food trucks, or at your friend’s house on Taco Tuesday.

These days, people fill hard shell corn cases, soft corn tortillas, wheat tortillas, and raw corn tortillas with all kinds of fillings.  Some tacos even just end up in a bowl called taco salads.  No doubt, there is something for everyone.

What about the filling?  Raw veggies, vegan meat, tofu, even potatoes show up in tacos nowadays, but the good old bean remains a firm favorite.

Black beans, red red, white beans, all colors of beans make an excellent hearty and flavorful taco filling.  You get a very healthy helping of protein and wonderful texture and bite, too.

Take a look at some of these imaginative taco recipes that celebrate the superior bean.

1.  Quinoa and Red Bean Tacos with Mango Salsa

Source: Quinoa and Red Bean Tacos with Mango Salsa

You get a double whammy of protein power with these Quino and Red Bean Tacos with Mango Salsa by Alenoosh Matakupan.  Kidney beans and quinoa are mixed together with chili powder, smoked paprika, tamari then served with a generous helping of sweet and juicy mango salsa.  Don’t forget the cilantro if you want that classic flavor.

2.  Black Bean and Tofu Tacos

Source:  Black Bean and Tofu Tacos

Here is another double helping of protein from the beans and the tofu.  Vicky Coats‘ recipe for Black Bean and Tofu Tacos will be a hit at Taco Tuesdays or will satisfy you if you are looking for a really quick dinner to whip up in no time.  In under 30 minutes, you can have a meal that is filling, tasty and healthy.

3.  Beet Tacos with Mung Beans with Blackened Tofu, Radish Slaw and Crispy Corn

Source: Beet Tacos with Mung Beans with Blackened Tofu, Radish Slaw and Crispy Corn

With this recipe by Sasha Gill, you’ll be making your own wheat tortillas and filling.  These super colorful Beet Tacos with Mung Beans are filled with fun and flavor.  Top off your beans and tofu with juicy radish slaw and cilantro.  Don’t forget the hot sauce!

4.  Quick and Easy Refried Bean and Veggie Tacos

Source:  Quick and Easy Refried Bean and Veggie Tacos

Just as the name suggests, these Quick and Easy Refried Bean and Veggie Tacos by Maria Koutsogiannia mean that every night can be taco night.  Just heat up your beans and vegan meat while your tortillas are warming in the oven, then toss everything together.  Serve with a generous dollop of guacamole!

5.  Crock Pot Tacos

Source: Crock Pot Tacos

Natalie Martin and Lexie Staten‘s recipe for Crock Pot Tacos could not be easier.  Put all your beans and veggies into a crock pot for a few hours, and go off to do your thing while it all cooks up.  Later, spoon your delicious filling into your tortillas for a stress-free meal. Alternatively, serve your bean and veggie mix on rice and still enjoy those classic taco flavors.

6.  Taco-Stuffed Butternut Squash

Source: Taco-Stuffed Butternut Squash

If you are avoiding gluten or maybe not a fan of corn-based tortillas, you needn’t miss out on all of those beautiful taco tastes and seasonings with this Taco-Stuffed Butternut Squash by Maria Engbjerg. Take all of those refried beans, tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, and avocados and serve them in a sweet and creamy butternut squash instead.

7.  Sweet Potato and Tofu Breakfast Tacos with Spicy Black Beans

Source: Sweet Potato and Tofu Breakfast Tacos with Spicy Black Beans

Alex and Linda Meyer‘s Sweet Potato and Tofu Breakfast Tacos with Spicy Black Beans will give you a filling and protein-packed start to the day.  Or, you can just eat them anytime!  Add a little chili powder to your beans for an extra kick.

8.  Savory Breakfast Tacos

Source: Savory Breakfast Tacos

Here is another breakfast taco that actually works for any time of the day.  Breakfast for dinner anyone?  These Savory Breakfast Tacos by Robin Browne have it all—roasted yams, tofu, beans, cashew sauce, and guacamole.  This is another protein-powered taco that is full of flavor.

9. Mango Black Bean Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo and Guacamole

Source:  Mango Black Bean Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo and Guacamole

These stunning Mango Black Bean Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo and Guacamole by Travis Piper bring all the amazing flavors you look for in a taco and more. The sweet mango pureé, fresh guacamole, onions, smokey black beans, ripe tomatoes, and grilled tortillas make these a real taco treat.

10.  Hearty Black Bean and Roasted Carrot Taquitos

Source:  Hearty Black Bean and Roasted Carrot Taquitos

If you are looking for a little twist on the traditional taco, why not try these Hearty Black bean and Roasted Carrot Taquitos by Annie McGee.  Here we have crispy corn tortillas wrapped around roasted carrots, beans, and jalapeños.  Serve a bunch of them slathered in guacamole and a good helping of cashew cream.

Taco night doesn’t have to be standard.  Take some inspiration from these OGP recipes for bean-fueled tacos and have yourself a taco party on your own or with friends.

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