Zesty Vegetarian Texas Tacos
Savor the flavors of Texas with these hearty and vibrant Zesty Vegetarian Tacos! Perfect for lunch or a satisfying snack, these tacos combine the richness of seasoned black or pinto beans with fresh toppings and zesty salsa. Customizable to your taste, these tacos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Gather your friends and family to assemble your tacos with an array of fresh ingredients—ideal for a fun meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're vegetarian or just looking for a delightful meatless meal, these tacos are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
270
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
small onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
ground cumin
4 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
4 teaspoons (none)
black beans or pinto beans
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
salsa
1/2 cup (medium or hot)
salt
to taste (none)
hot sauce
to taste (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup (none)
taco shells
20 (heated)
salsa
for serving (none)
diced zucchini
for serving (none)
shredded lettuce
for serving (none)
cilantro leaf
for serving (none)
diced avocado
for serving (tossed with a dash of lime)
grated cheddar cheese
for serving (none)
sliced green onion
for serving (none)
red or yellow bell pepper
for serving (sliced)
lime wedge
for serving (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, allowing them to toast for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
4
Add the drained and rinsed beans and salsa to the skillet. Use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to blend the mixture to your desired consistency—chunky or smooth.
5
Season the bean mixture with salt and hot sauce to taste, mixing thoroughly.
6
Transfer the bean mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbly and slightly browned.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow everyone to assemble their tacos at the table. Here are some delicious options for assembling:
9
1. Spoon the bean mixture into a heated taco shell.
10
2. Top with extra salsa, shredded lettuce, diced avocado (toasted with a dash of lime for added flavor), grated cheddar cheese, sliced green onion, and chopped bell peppers.
11
3. Add more salsa as desired and finish with a squeeze of lime juice over the top.
12
Encourage creativity with the toppings, allowing everyone to customize their tacos as they like!
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
36g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Vegetarian Texas Tacos?
They are hearty and vibrant tacos that combine seasoned black or pinto beans with fresh toppings and zesty salsa.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 15.5-ounce cans of black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these tacos are specifically designed as a delicious and nutritious meatless meal.
How many calories are in a serving of these tacos?
There are 270 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of these tacos?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
These tacos are low in fat, containing only 1.5g per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
What spices are used to season the beans?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of ground cumin and 4 teaspoons of chili powder.
How do I achieve the right consistency for the bean mixture?
Use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to blend the mixture to your desired consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the bean mixture need to bake?
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbly.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for baking, plus more for serving.
How many taco shells does this recipe require?
The recipe is designed for 20 heated taco shells.
Can I add hot sauce to the recipe?
Yes, you can season the bean mixture with hot sauce to your personal taste.
What is the first step in making the filling?
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
How should the avocado be prepared for topping?
The avocado should be diced and tossed with a dash of lime juice for added flavor.
What vegetables are suggested for the toppings?
Suggested toppings include shredded lettuce, diced zucchini, sliced green onions, and chopped bell peppers.
What kind of salsa is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a medium or hot salsa.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, you can use either red or yellow bell peppers for the topping.
How do I toast the spices?
Stir the ground cumin and chili powder into the sautéed onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
Is cilantro included in this recipe?
Yes, cilantro leaves are listed as a serving option.
How should the taco shells be prepared?
The taco shells should be heated before assembly.
Can these tacos be served for lunch?
Yes, they are described as perfect for lunch or as a satisfying snack.
How do I finish the tacos before eating?
The instructions recommend a final squeeze of lime juice over the top.
Is this recipe good for groups?
Yes, it is ideal for family and friends to assemble their own tacos at the table.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, minced.
What size onion should I use?
One small onion, chopped, is required.
Should the bean mixture be chunky or smooth?
You can blend it to your preference using a spoon or masher.
What gives these tacos their Texas flavor?
The combination of cumin, chili powder, and zesty salsa provides the signature Texas flavor profile.