This post is proudly sponsored by MorningStar Farms, bringing you convenient and delicious plant-based meal solutions.
Discover the ultimate weeknight meal solution with these incredibly flavorful and effortlessly simple black bean tacos. Crafted using versatile MorningStar Farms black bean burgers, this recipe promises a hearty, delicious, and quick dinner that can be on your table in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy evenings, these vegetarian tacos are packed with taste and wholesome ingredients.
Easy Black Bean Tacos: Your Go-To 15-Minute Vegetarian Dinner
Taco night holds a special place in many households, and for good reason. It’s a concept that inherently embraces flexibility, flavor, and fun, without demanding hours in the kitchen. Here at [Your Blog Name, or just “our kitchen”], we’re huge advocates for meals that are not only delicious and healthy but also remarkably easy to prepare. Complicated recipes that drag on for hours simply don’t make the cut for everyday eating. That’s why we’re thrilled to collaborate with MorningStar Farms – a long-time favorite brand renowned for their fantastic range of veggie burgers – to bring you a game-changing recipe: black bean tacos ready in a mere 15 minutes!
Why Black Bean Tacos Are a Weeknight Hero
Tacos are undeniably one of the most beloved dinner options, and their versatility makes them an ideal candidate for vegetarian adaptations. Mexican cuisine, in particular, offers a rich tapestry of plant-based possibilities, with beans naturally serving as an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans alike. While I’ve always enjoyed grilling MorningStar Farms veggie burgers on their own, the idea of elevating them into a vibrant taco creation was simply too tempting to resist. The outcome? A sensationally simple and incredibly satisfying meal that quickly became a household favorite.
Imagine this: a full-flavored dinner that requires just 15 minutes of your time. Yes, you read that right. All you need are a handful of pantry staples and your favorite taco toppings to transform a simple veggie burger into a culinary delight. Taco night just got a whole lot easier, and infinitely more exciting!
Easy Black Bean Tacos
Rated 5 stars from 2 reviews
- Author: Liz Thomson
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These black bean tacos are incredibly simple to make, using MorningStar Farms black bean burgers for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian meal. They are bursting with Mexican-inspired spices and can be prepared in just minutes, making them ideal for any busy weeknight!
Ingredients
- 2 MorningStar Farms Black Bean Burgers
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 4 hard taco shells
- 1/4 cup salsa (verde or your favorite)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the veggie burgers according to the package directions, typically about 3 minutes per side. For easier taco filling, you can chop the cooked burgers into smaller pieces while they are in the skillet. This helps them cook faster and fit perfectly into the taco shells.
- While the burgers are cooking, prepare your seasoned rice. In a small bowl, combine the cooked brown rice with the fresh chopped cilantro, salt, and cumin. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Slice your avocado half into bite-sized chunks or mash it for a creamy texture, depending on your preference.
- Assemble your tacos: Evenly distribute the seasoned brown rice into each of the four hard taco shells. Next, add the cooked and chopped black bean burger mixture. Top generously with the diced avocado and a spoonful of your favorite salsa.
- Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious black bean tacos!
The Secret to Unbeatable Flavor: MorningStar Farms Black Bean Burgers
What truly sets these black bean tacos apart is the distinctive flavor provided by MorningStar Farms black bean burgers. Unlike plain black beans, these burgers come pre-seasoned with a delightful blend of spices, adding an incredible depth of flavor that would otherwise require much more effort and a longer ingredient list. The subtle heat and savory notes perfectly complement the fresh ingredients, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying bite in every taco.
For this recipe, I opted for their classic black bean burgers, which offered a fantastic base. However, the possibilities don’t end there! On my last grocery run, I also picked up a pack of MorningStar Farms Quinoa burgers, and I’m already envisioning them as the next star in another batch of quick and easy tacos. MorningStar Farms offers a wide array of plant-based products, from various veggie burgers to Chik’n patties and breakfast sausages, all designed to make plant-forward eating incredibly accessible and enjoyable. They truly excel at making fast, delicious, and healthy meals an effortless reality.
Beyond the Recipe: Tips for Perfecting Your Black Bean Tacos
Customize Your Tacos to Your Liking
While this recipe provides a fantastic foundation, the beauty of tacos lies in their endless customizability. Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings to create a taco experience tailored to your taste buds:
- Cheeses: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty kick. For a vegan option, use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese.
- Creams & Sauces: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra protein), creamy guacamole, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a refreshing squeeze of lime juice can elevate the flavors.
- Fresh Veggies: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, finely chopped red onion, corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed), pickled jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of chopped bell peppers add freshness and crunch.
- Herbs: Don’t limit yourself to cilantro; fresh parsley or even a hint of mint could offer an interesting twist.
Choosing the Right Taco Shells
The original recipe calls for hard taco shells, which provide a satisfying crunch. However, feel free to use soft corn or flour tortillas if you prefer. Lightly warming soft tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave will make them more pliable and enhance their flavor.
Meal Prep for Even Faster Tacos
If you’re looking to shave even more time off your dinner prep, consider these meal prep tips:
- Cook the Rice Ahead: Brown rice can be cooked days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This cuts down on a significant portion of the active cooking time.
- Chop Veggies: Dice your avocado and chop your cilantro ahead of time. Keep them in airtight containers.
- Pre-mix Spice Blend: Combine your salt and cumin in a small container so it’s ready to go.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Tacos
These black bean tacos are delicious on their own, but they also make a fantastic centerpiece for a larger meal. Consider serving them with:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Extra black beans or refried beans.
- Corn on the cob or a fresh corn salad.
- A bowl of tortilla chips with extra salsa or guacamole.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Black Bean Tacos
Q: Can I make these tacos vegan?
A: Yes! MorningStar Farms black bean burgers are typically vegan. Simply ensure all your toppings are also plant-based. Omit dairy cheese and sour cream, opting for vegan alternatives like dairy-free cheese shreds, vegan sour cream, or extra guacamole.
Q: What if I don’t have brown rice?
A: You can absolutely use white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Adjust cooking times and seasoning as needed for your chosen grain.
Q: Can I prepare the black bean burger mixture in advance?
A: Yes, you can cook and chop the MorningStar Farms black bean burgers, and even mix them with the seasoned rice, a day in advance. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your tacos.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: It’s best to store the components separately to prevent the taco shells from becoming soggy. Store the black bean and rice mixture, avocado, and salsa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the filling and assemble fresh tacos when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Are these tacos spicy?
A: The MorningStar Farms black bean burgers have a mild to moderate spice level, which adds great flavor without being overpowering. You can adjust the spice level further by choosing a mild or spicy salsa, and adding fresh or pickled jalapeños if you like extra heat.
This recipe truly embodies the spirit of quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful home cooking. It’s a testament to how easily plant-based ingredients can be transformed into a memorable meal, even on the busiest of schedules. Give these easy black bean tacos a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!