Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Spicy Homemade Refried Beans

Black Bean Cauliflower Taco Fiesta: A Tasty and Healthy Alternative

Taco lovers rejoice. If you are tired of your same old taco recipe, here is a healthy alternative with tons of flavor and happy colors. Give these black bean cauliflower tacos a try. They are the perfect combination of taste and healthy nutrition.

The tacos have a nice crunch from the roasted cauliflower and the addition of radishes, plus a softer texture from the refried beans. It’s a winning combination for a vegan taco.

A cauliflower taco with homemade refried beans from a can is a great option for Taco Tuesday or any day - because who doesn’t love tacos! They are filled with such color everyone in your household will be begging to try them.

The tacos have a nice crunch from the roasted cauliflower and the addition of radishes, plus a softer texture from the refried beans. It’s a winning combination for a vegan taco.

The homemade refried beans add a pleasant heat, and the Turmeric Tahini Sauce gives another layer of flavor. The combination is a delight.

Pairing this cauliflower taco with a few garnishes like salsa, fresh cilantro, avocado, and some lime juice completes the meal.

A Vegetable Delight: Cauliflower Tacos

What sets these roasted cauliflower tacos with black beans apart from the rest of the millions of taco recipes?

For starters, the roasted cauliflower brings a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the tacos, while the black beans add a rich, savory element that complements the cauliflower perfectly.

Not only do these tacos taste great, but they're also packed with nutrients. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable loaded with vitamin C. One serving of cauliflower has 100% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C, while black beans are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. These two ingredients help you create a healthy and satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full.

Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower Taco

The beautiful main character - crispy roasted cauliflower, wonderfully spicy with its blend of ginger and turmeric.

I am so glad cauliflower has become popular. To tell you the truth, it was a vegetable I often ignored because it’s white and just so blah. Now that I have joined forces with this versatile vegetable, I love how it can transform into just about any comfort food you may like, rice, steak, crust, mashed potatoes, and so much more, I know it will be exciting to try cauliflower in many different dishes.

Spicy Homemade Refried Beans

A quick way to add fiber to your meal is to add some beans. I am not a huge fan of the traditional fully smashed refried beans like you may get in your favorite Mexican restaurant, I like mine popped and cracked but not blended - I side with chunky.

Mexican refried beans are traditionally made from pinto beans, but I like to be curious and try various types of beans seasoned with spices and herbs. And when you use beans from a can, you can quickly make them on your stovetop.

Making Taco Tuesday Healthier: Tips for Healthy Tacos

Tacos are a popular dish that can be made in many different ways. When preparing these cauliflower tacos, keep the following tips in mind for a healthier and more flavorful meal:

  1. Use fresh ingredients: Tacos can be made more delicious and appetizing with the addition of fresh vegetables and herbs. Popular options to include would be cilantro, onion, tomatoes, lime juice, or avocado.
  2. Opt for healthier toppings: Instead of sour cream and cheese, choose toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro to add flavor without the extra calories. Avocado is a great source of healthy fats. Salsa is a low-calorie option that can add a burst of flavor to your tacos.
  3. Try gluten-free: If you need a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, but be sure to check the label to confirm. You can also use lettuce leaves or cabbage leaves as a wrap for your tacos.
  4. Get creative with other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with your taco filling, including other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes to add variety and flavor to your tacos. You can roast them, sauté them, or grill them to add texture and flavor.

Share the Love - and the Deliciousness!

Don't keep this delicious plant based recipe to yourself! Share it with your friends and family, and be sure to let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. We love hearing from you and would be thrilled to know how this recipe has helped you make a healthier and tastier meal.

This cauliflower taco is seriously good! There’s just enough spice and color to make everyone want to eat one. Add a bit of garnish like avocado, radishes, and fresh salsa for a quick and healthy meal.

FAQ

Are cauliflower tacos gluten-free?
Yes, cauliflower tacos can be gluten-free, as long as you use corn tortillas, which are typically gluten-free. Be sure to check the label to confirm that your tortillas are indeed gluten-free.

Can I make these tacos vegan?
Yes! To make these tacos vegan-friendly, just skip the cheese and use a vegan cheese alternative or add more veggies instead.

Are there any other vegetables that work well in tacos?
Definitely! You can experiment with various veggies in tacos to spice up your plate. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes can help add a new flavor dimension to your dish. Get creative and try them out!

Are black beans a good source of protein?
Yes, black beans are a great source of protein. A half-cup serving of black beans contains around 8 grams of protein. They're also high in fiber and other important nutrients.

What other beans can I use in my refried beans?
Mexican refried beans typically call for pinto beans, however, you can also use black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas if desired. Each type of bean will create a unique flavor and texture - so don't be afraid to explore different varieties until you find the perfect combination!

Mealtime conversation starters

Cartoon smiling cauliflower that is used as an icon for mealtime conversation starters about relationships.

Engage with others - talk - flow - connect - collaborate and grow your humanness - you will never regret spending time talking with another person.

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Fusion inspired vegan taco blends curry cauliflower and mexican flavors in a corn tortilla for the perfect handheld meal
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5 from 9 votes

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Spicy Homemade Refried Beans

Enjoy a healthy meatless taco! This easy-to-follow plant-based Cauliflower Taco recipe is a yummy alternative. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or Meatless Monday.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 234
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion

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Ingredients

  • 10 corn tortillas

Golden Curry Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy Refried Beans

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion sliced
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 can black beans 15 oz can, drained
  • 1 can chili beans 15 oz can, drained
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 450°F.
  • In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and 1 5-ounce packet of Haven’s Kitchen Turmeric Tahini Sauce until evenly combined.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the cauliflower in a single layer on the sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until it is tender and browned, stirring once halfway through.
  • While cauliflower is roasting, slice the red onion.
  • In a medium saucepan, and heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the drained beans, kosher salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Turn the heat to medium low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan as necessary. Add salt to taste.
  • Warm your tortilla with a dry heat, in a pan or toaster oven (not the microwave which will ruin the texture and make it subject to falling apart.)
  • To serve, place a layer of beans in a tortilla, top with roasted cauliflower, and your fav toppings.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Suggested topping: toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime wedges, thinly-sliced radishes, Mexican hot sauce, or salsa.
Optional garnishes are not included in the nutritional label information. Be sure to count an extra thumb of fat if you use avocado or guacamole.
To make your own Turmeric Tahini Sauce
Makes nearly 1 cup
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp water
Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Store sauce in a covered jar in the refrigerator. Store in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Hand Size Portions

Nutrition Facts
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Spicy Homemade Refried Beans
Serving Size
 
1 taco
Amount per Serving
Calories
234
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Cholesterol
 
1
mg
0
%
Sodium
 
735
mg
32
%
Potassium
 
635
mg
18
%
Carbohydrates
 
31
g
10
%
Fiber
 
8
g
33
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
38
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
42
mg
51
%
Calcium
 
72
mg
7
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Palm: .5
Fist: .5
Handful: 1
Thumb: .75

Hand Portions

Some handy advice:  You can use your hands to practice calorie control without weighing and measuring.

Using hand position size is an alternative way to decide how much to eat visually. It gives you a way to quickly estimate what's on your plate, using the size of your hand as an alternative to counting macros (which generally has you weighing and reading nutrition labels to count protein, carbohydrates, and fat).

To learn more, read How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.

Michelle Johnson Jerome is an expert on busting through perfectionism. She is passionate about helping others live life with purpose and joy. By drawing on her extensive experience as a nutrition coach, personal trainer, and yoga instructor she helps develop a realistic approach to goal setting that allows you to make progress and stop obsessing over mistakes.

Find other articles written by Michelle on her coach profile. Discover your "easy button": learn how to manage life's unpleasant parts so you can move forward, reach your goals, and live your best life.

  • Cassie says:

    Cauliflower and radish in a taco with turmeric and ginger sound really good. Looking forward to trying this.

    • Michelle Johnson Jerome says:

      Thanks, Cassie.

      You can’t have a lousy taco 😎.

      But seriously, ginger gives off its own spiciness and makes this taco a fun alternative to a traditional taco.

      Be sure to let me know how you liked it.