Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups

There’s something special about gathering around a table, sharing laughter, and savoring delightful bites together. That’s exactly the spirit behind these Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups. These little gems are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a hit not just for family dinners but also for fun gatherings with friends. Imagine the aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with plantains and jalapeños, filling your kitchen with warmth and inviting everyone to join in. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness, wrapped in a crispy tortilla cup, topped with creamy avocado and fresh cilantro. This dish not only satisfies cravings but also brings a festive touch to any meal.

What You’ll Need for Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups

For this recipe, we’ll be using a wonderful mix of wholesome ingredients. The harmony between the creamy avocados, hearty black beans, and sweet plantains creates a rich, mouthwatering flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final product, ensuring a satisfying combination of taste and texture.

• 1 package (8-inch) flour tortillas – You’ll need these to create the base of your taco cups, offering a crispy, crunchy texture.
• ½ tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil – This will be used to sauté the vegetables, helping to develop their flavors.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant aroma and depth to the dish.
• ½ cup diced white onion – Provides a sweet and savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 slightly underripe plantain, diced – Brings a natural sweetness and unique texture to the cups.
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced – A little heat to balance the sweetness of the plantain.
• Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
• 1 cup BUSH’S® Black Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce, do not drain – The star ingredient, offering protein and a delicious sauce.
• 3 ounces manchego cheese, shredded – Adds a creamy, savory touch (about ¾ cup).
• To serve:
• 1-2 ripe avocados – For a creamy topping, depending on your preference.
• Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste – For that final savory touch.
• Fresh squeezed lime juice – Adds brightness and acidity.
• Fresh chopped cilantro – A fresh herb garnish to elevate the dish.
• Your favorite hot sauce – For those who love a kick!

Making Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups

Creating these delicious Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups is as fun as it is satisfying. Each step brings you closer to a delightful dish that will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. As it warms up, grease a 12 cup muffin pan with some olive oil cooking spray. This will help the tortilla cups release easily.
2. Using a biscuit cutter, cut out 3 ½ to 4-inch circles from your flour tortillas. You can get creative and use scissors if you prefer. Typically, you’ll get about three rounds from each tortilla. Carefully place the tortilla rounds into each muffin liner, forming a little cup.
3. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic, diced plantains, and diced jalapeno. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
4. Once your mixture is fragrant and the onion is soft, remove the pan from the heat. Gently stir in the BUSH’S® Black Beans. Ensure everything is well combined, and then divide this delicious mixture evenly between your tortilla cups.
5. Now it’s time to bake! Place your muffin pan in the oven and let it bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tortilla cups are golden and crispy.
6. After removing the taco cups from the oven, sprinkle the shredded manchego cheese on top of each one. Pop them back into the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. While the taco cups are baking, prepare your avocado topping. In a medium bowl, mash one or two ripe avocados depending on how much guacamole you like. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Mix until everything is well combined.
8. Once the taco cups are out of the oven, top each one generously with the mashed avocado. Finish off with a sprinkle of cilantro and, if you like, a little hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
9. Serve your Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups warm, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures!

Substitutions and Tips

Crafting the perfect Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups is all about flexibility and creativity. Here are some tips and substitutions you might find helpful.

• Storage: Store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked taco cups. Assemble them, then wrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve these taco cups with a fresh side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• Variety: Experiment with different beans or add in some corn for extra flavor and texture.
• Garnishes: Top with your favorite hot sauce, salsa, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Serving Options for Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups

When it comes to serving your Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great ideas:

• Perfect for Parties: These taco cups make a wonderful appetizer at gatherings. Their bite-sized nature allows guests to enjoy them without the need for utensils.
• Lunch or Dinner: Serve them as a light lunch or a main course for dinner. They pair beautifully with salads or roasted vegetables.
• Game Day Treat: Make these for your next game day! They’re easy to munch on while enjoying the game with friends.
• Seasonal Flair: In the summer, serve with a fresh corn salad; in the fall, pair with roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Storage Tips: Leftover taco cups can be stored in the fridge. They’re also great for meal prep! Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
• Family Fun: Get the kids involved in assembling their own taco cups with different toppings. It’s a fun and interactive dining experience!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups are a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make them a standout dish. Perfect for any occasion, these cups are not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups

The ultimate comfort food, these Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups are bursting with flavor and crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these cups are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Try them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 12 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 package flour tortillas please know you will probably only use 4-6 tortillas
• ½ tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced white onion
• 1 slightly underripe plantain diced
• 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup BUSH’S® Black Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce, do not drain
• 3 ounces manchego cheese, shredded about ¾ cup
• 1-2 ripe avocados depending on how much guac you like
• Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ small lime Fresh squeezed lime juice
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Your favorite hot sauce

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan with some olive oil cooking spray. This will help the tortilla cups release easily.
• Using a biscuit cutter, cut out 3 ½ to 4-inch circles from your flour tortillas. You can get creative and use scissors if you prefer. Typically, you'll get about three rounds from each tortilla. Carefully place the tortilla rounds into each muffin liner, forming a little cup.
• In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic, diced plantains, and diced jalapeno. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
• Once your mixture is fragrant and the onion is soft, remove the pan from the heat. Gently stir in the BUSH’S® Black Beans. Ensure everything is well combined, and then divide this delicious mixture evenly between your tortilla cups.
• Now it’s time to bake! Place your muffin pan in the oven and let it bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tortilla cups are golden and crispy.
• After removing the taco cups from the oven, sprinkle the shredded manchego cheese on top of each one. Pop them back into the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• While the taco cups are baking, prepare your avocado topping. In a medium bowl, mash one or two ripe avocados depending on how much guacamole you like. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Mix until everything is well combined.
• Once the taco cups are out of the oven, top each one generously with the mashed avocado. Finish off with a sprinkle of cilantro and, if you like, a little hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
• Serve your Vegetarian Plantain Black Bean Taco Cups warm, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures!

Notes

• If you cannot find the BUSH’S® Black Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce: you can use any of their other chili sauce varieties.
• If you can’t find plantains where you live: I suggest replacing it with 3/4 cup corn or cooked and diced sweet potato.
• Alternative Tortillas: I have tried these with Siete grain-free almond flour and cashew flour tortillas and they worked wonderfully!

Keyword Black Bean Tacos, Easy Mexican Dinner, Plantain Recipes, Vegetarian Taco Cups