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Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos

December 7, 2023
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Brace yourself for taco perfection! These Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos are a total hit—loaded with smoky beans, melty cheese, and all the fixings, they're a flavor fiesta that'll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos

Say hello to flavor-packed delight with these Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos! Picture this: savory BBQ-infused pinto beans nestled in soft tortillas, generously sprinkled with gooey cheese, dairy-free jalapeno sauce + all your fave toppings. These weeknight meatless tacos are a delicious medley of crunchy, smoky, and cheesy goodness that'll satisfy your cravings in every bite! Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan option.

Up close shot of tacos.

We're all about that taco life in my house, I even made some Vegan Taco Soup the other day Haha! But the idea for these Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos came after I cooked up a batch of homemade BBQ pinto beans and was brainstorming ways to use them and it was like a lightbulb moment—tacos, of course! These are seriously so delicious and filling that even the most devoted meat-eaters won't be able to resist these meatless tacos!

Y'all know I'm all about making everything from scratch so I LOVE using homemade tortillas, BBQ pinto beans, and a zesty dairy-free jalapeno sauce for that extra spicy kick. It's a flavor sensation that takes Taco Tuesday to a whole new level! I'm telling you, when it's all together, it's like a symphony of 'mmm's' at the dinner table! If you're a fan of beans then this Easy Garlic Herb Three Bean DipLoaded Vegan Veggie SoupCreamy Vegan White Bean Soup, and Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas are the next things that you need to make ASAP!

These pinto bean tacos are super easy to make,great quick weeknight option, are entirely meatless + include bold flavors that are the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and fresh, and just plain DELICIOUS!!

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Ingredients on a black table.

How To Make These Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos

This taco recipe is a breeze to make. For the beans, follow my How To Make BBQ Pinto Beans recipe. If you're up for homemade tortillas, check out my Homemade Flour + Corn Tortillas recipe or opt for store-bought. Then comes whipping up the dairy-free jalapeno sauce to bring the heat! Warm your tortillas, assemble your tacos, and voila! Perfect tacos coming your way. Find a detailed guide below for step-by-step instructions!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for these Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos

  • BBQ Pinto Beans. See my recipe here.
  • Soft flour or corn tortillas. Serve as the vehicle for the taco fillings, adding a warm and comforting texture. Try making your own homemade tortillas!
  • Shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese. This gives the tacos that cheesy goodness. You can also opt for a dairy-free cheese to make these tacos vegan.
  • Sour cream or yogurt. Adds a nice creamy element. Again you can opt for a vegan/dairy-free alternative if you prefer!
  • Fresh cilantro. Adds a pop of herby freshness.
  • Other fave toppings. (See ideas below)
  • Lime wedges. Optional
  • Dairy-free Jalapeño Ranch Sauce. See the recipe for this sauce here!

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR TACOS!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially for Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Tacos assembled on a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Why You Will LOVE Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos

  • Bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Ultra crispy outer + gooey cheesy inner.
  • Versatile snack, appetizer, or main option for Taco Tuesdays.
  • Easy weeknight meal--Simple preparation + minimal ingredients
  • Totally meatless + protein-packed!
  • crowd-pleasing combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
BBQ pinto bean tacos folded on baking sheet with parchment paper.

Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Taco Topping Ideas

With your easy Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos recipe all set and ready to go, it's time to assemble. When it comes to toppings, I enjoy the vibrant, fresh, and sweet medley of ingredients. In this recipe, I've kept it uncomplicated by using BBQ pinto beans, cheese and a dollop of Jalapeño Ranch Sauce. However, feel free to let your creativity run wild and experiment with your favorite toppings!

My favorite taco topping ideas in general include:

  • Shredded red cabbage
  • Grape tomatoes, fresh or roasted
  • Avocado or guac
  • Salsa
  • Vegan queso
  • Jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
  • Yogurt or sour cream
  • Cheese
  • Dairy-free Creamy Chipotle Sauce
  • Candied Bacon
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Mango chunks
  • Hot sauce
  • Lime or lemon juice
  • Cilantro or parsley, chopped
Hands pressing a baking sheet atop tacos.

Best Tortilla for Tacos?

You can choose either corn or flour tortillas for this meatless taco recipe. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn is your best bet. Whichever option you choose, I recommend the small street taco-size. They’re easy to fill, hold and eat by the dozen!

Of course, in a pinch, larger tortillas will work too. You can also use hard taco shells if you prefer a crunchier taco.

Baked  BBQ pinto bean tacos fresh out of the oven with a fork.

How to Best Char or Warm Tortillas

To lightly toast taco tortillas, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place tortillas directly on the rack. Turn off the oven once heated and let tortillas warm for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. For char on a stovetop, pop one of the tortillas onto a gas burner until you begin to see a little smoke. Remove tortilla to rotate it onto opposite side until it’s lightly charred. Repeat until all tortillas are charred.

Can I Make The Jalapeno Ranch Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The dairy-free jalapeno sauce can be prepared ahead of taco night and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or planning multiple meatless taco nights.

Other Sauces + Dressings I LOVE On Tacos

Baked  BBQ pinto bean tacos with drizzle of green ranch sauce and a spoon.

Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos Q + A's

Can I use store-bought tortillas for these tacos?

Absolutely! While homemade tortillas add a special touch, store-bought ones work perfectly fine for a quick and easy alternative.

Do I need to use the jalapeno ranch for this recipe, or are there alternatives?

The jalapeno ranch adds a delightful kick, but feel free to substitute it with your favorite sauce or dressing if you prefer a different flavor.

What's the best way to make these tacos vegan?

To make these tacos vegan, opt for your favorite vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives. There are many plant-based options available in most grocery stores I love the brand Follow Your Heart.

Can I prepare the BBQ pinto beans in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the BBQ pinto beans in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them when ready to assemble your tacos.

I prefer spicier food. Any suggestions for amping up the heat in these tacos?

For an extra kick, add diced fresh jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ pinto beans or the jalapeno sauce.

What's the best way to reheat these tacos if I have leftovers?

To maintain their crispiness, reheat the tacos in a preheated oven for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use a skillet for a quick warm-up.

Overview shot of BBQ pinto bean tacos with dipping sauce and spoon.

More Meatless Recipes You’ll Love

If you are a fan of this easy tacos recipe, you will also love these other meatless meals!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Up close shot of tacos.

Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos

December 7, 2023
5 from 3 votes
Say hello to flavor-packed delight with these Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos! Picture this: savory BBQ-infused pinto beans nestled in soft tortillas, generously sprinkled with gooey cheese, dairy-free jalapeños sauce + all your fave toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 8 tacos

Ingredients

BBQ PINTO BEANS:

  • 2-3 cups BBQ Pinto Beans

TACOS:

  • 8 homemade Flour + Corn Tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • Sour cream or yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Other fave toppings (i.e. sliced avocado, jalapeños, etc.)
  • Lime wedges, optional

DAIRY-FREE JALAPENO RANCH:

  • 1-2 cups dairy-free Jalapeño Ranch Sauce

Instructions

TO MAKE THE BBQ PINTO BEANS:

TO MAKE THE TORTILLAS:

TO MAKE THE DAIRY-FREE JALAPENO RANCH:

WARM THE TORTILLAS:

  • To lightly toast taco tortillas, preheat oven on 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place tortillas directly on rack. Turn off oven once heated and let tortillas warm for 2 minutes. Remove from oven.

ASSEMBLE THE TACOS:

  • Keep the oven preheated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Have another baking sheet handy to place on top of your tacos.
  • To assemble tacos, add 1-2 spoonfuls of cooked pinto beans atop one side of your warm tortilla followed by: spoonfuls of shredded cheese. Then fold one side atop the other (overlapping) so that it looks like a half moon shape. Press down slightly and add to prepared baking sheet with parchment. Repeat until desired amount of tacos are made --- spreading them out a bit, about 1-inches apart.
  • Once all tacos are made, gently place the other baking sheet atop the tacos to ensure that they remain flat while baking.

BAKE THE TACOS:

  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tortillas become crispy and the cheese has melted.
  • To serve, cut each taco in half and placed unto a serving platter or cheese board, lining them up next to each other (slightly overlapping). Spoon on your fave toppings like sour cream or yogurt, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, guacamole, roasted tomatoes, etc. if desired.
  • Drizzle with Jalapeño Ranch sauce or use as a dipping sauce, if desired.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Place any leftover ingredients (individually stored) in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place tacos in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. Assemble to serve.
  • MAKE AHEAD: All ingredients can be made and individually stored as meal prep (excluding tortillas) and assembled when ready to serve.

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Xx, Shanika in script writing

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