The Best 30-Minute Vegetarian Tacos

Updated: Dec 9th, 2019 · By Bethany Kramer
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Mind-blowing Vegetarian Tacos – A healthy dinner that is SO flavorful, satisfying, and only takes 30 minutes to make. You will fall in love with everything about these tacos! 

Vegetarian tacos on brown parchment paper with cilantro and lime laid out around it.

My current food obsession –> These life changing 30-minute Vegetarian Tacos. Warm corn tortillas with flavorful peppers, beans, and corn, then topped with crunchy pickled onions and creamy guacamole. I currently make this recipe one to two times a week and it has quickly become one my favorite quick dinners to make.

During the week we try to eat mostly plant-based, so I became inspired to create a veggie-based taco recipe that was satisfying without meat. Whether you are a meat-lover or are following a vegan or vegetarian diet, I know you are going to love these amazing vegetarian tacos!

How to Make Vegetarian Tacos

Step by step photos showing how to make vegetarian tacos.

  1. On medium heat, saute peppers and red onions with olive oil for 5 minutes until soft.
  2. On low to medium heat stir in 1 can each of black beans, cannellini beans, and corn. Add seasonings and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then assemble tacos in corn tortillas with bean mixture, pickled onions, and guacamole.

The secret to amazing tacos: pickled onions

A mason jar filled with pickled onions on a white background.

Let’s talk about pickled onions for a second.

If you have ever had a taco with pickled onions, you’ll probably agree with me when I say – they make the whole taco come together. Not only are they crunchy, but they give this recipe the acid it needs to balance out all of the flavors. Whether you like onions or not, these are a must to complete your taco recipe! Don’t be intimidated, they are the easiest to make and store well in the refrigerator for other recipes.

How to Make Pickled Onions: Thinly slice red onion, add to a jar or bowl with 1 1/2 cups of apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar, 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or regular sugar), and 1/4 tsp salt. Let sit with vinegar for 30 minutes while making tacos or several hours. These will pickle even more over time – store refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.

What veggies go in tacos?

  • For veggie fillings: I recommend zucchinis, legumes, beans, lentils, mushrooms, corn, and red onions.
  • Veggies for garnish: What you put on your taco matters for flavor and texture. I love using pickled vegetables (specifically red onions), cilantro, cucumbers, shredded carrots, avocados, jalapeno chili, and mixed greens

Vegetarian tacos on brown parchment paper with cilantro and lime laid out around it.

Extra Tips for Making Vegetarian Tacos

  • Condiments that go with tacos: top your tacos with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cotija cheese.
  • Corn tortillas are a healthier option when choosing tortillas – you can also use regular flour, almond flour, or whole wheat tortillas.
  • No tortilla’s? Serve this recipe over rice and make it a taco bowl. Great for meal prep and equally delicious!
  • Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or keep it simple with a vegetable salad.

More Delicious Recipes to Try: 

The Best 30-Minute Vegetarian Tacos

5 from 3 votes
Mind-blowing Vegetarian Tacos - One of the BEST taco's I've ever had. A healthy dinner that is SO flavorful, satisfying, and only takes 30 minutes to make. You will fall in love with everything about these tacos! 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients

Veggie Filling

  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 bell peppers, seeded and sliced (yellow, red, or orange)
  • 1 14 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 14 oz canned cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 14 oz canned corn

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon(each) chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt & black pepper

Toppings

  • 6 soft corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup pickled onions (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup guacamole (see notes)
  • cilantro leaves
  • Cotija cheese *optional

Instructions

  • In a large saute pan on medium heat, saute peppers and red onions with olive oil for 5 minutes until soft.
  • Lower heat and add 1 can each of black beans, cannellini beans, and corn. Add all of seasonings and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
  • Then assemble tacos in corn tortillas with bean mixture, pickled onions, and guacamole, and cilantro. Enjoy! 

Notes

How to Make EASY Guacamole: 2 mashed avocados, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 lime juice. Mix together and serve with tacos. 
How to Make Pickled Onions: Thinly slice red onion, add to a jar or bowl with 1 1/2 cups of apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar, 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or regular sugar), and 1/4 tsp salt. Let sit with vinegar for 30 minutes while making tacos or several hours. These will pickle even more over time - store refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
  • Condiments that go with tacos: top your tacos with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cotija cheese.
  • Corn tortillas are a healthier option when choosing tortillas - you can also use regular flour, almond flour, or whole wheat tortillas.
  • No tortilla's? Serve this recipe over rice and make it a taco bowl. Great for meal prep and equally delicious!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword vegan tacos, vegetarian tacos, veggie tacos
Author A Simple Palate

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 54.7g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9.4g | Sugar: 16.7g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 147.7mg

Join my email list

Let's stay in touch! Get updates when I post something new, cooking tips, and more! No spam.

Leave a Comment & Rating

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 Comments

  • Emily Schwaryz says:

    5 stars
    These tacos are so delicious! I’ve made them for lots of birthday parties and family gatherings. So satisfying, even for family members who are meat eaters!

    • Bethany Kramer says:

      Thank you so much, Emily!! I’m so happy this recipe has been a regular for meals. Really glad you enjoyed it!

  • Tina Mach says:

    5 stars
    This was so good. I made the beans corn peppers onions mix plus a pan of ground Turkey taco meat for my carnivore guys. I just had the beans and veggies on mine; they augmented with meat.

    This recipe let me have more veg in my day and still let me feed my guys what they want. Win-win! And they liked the addition. Even better.

  • Elley says:

    5 stars
    These are fast, easy and tasty.. my kids from 3-14 loved them… I did use roasted corn and the cotija is a must! Thank you so very much for a new meatless staple in our kitchen!!!