Spicy Cauliflower Black Bean Tacos

Featured in: Quick Everyday Dinners

This dish combines roasted cauliflower tossed in chili and smoked paprika with warm black beans to create a vibrant, plant-based taco. Corn tortillas are filled with shredded lettuce, red onion, avocado slices, and optional cilantro and vegan sour cream. A squeeze of fresh lime and hot sauce add brightness and heat. Perfect for a quick, wholesome dinner that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it adapts well with different toppings and pairs nicely with a crisp lager or margarita.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:23:00 GMT
Flavorful spicy cauliflower and black bean tacos topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. Save
Flavorful spicy cauliflower and black bean tacos topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. | tastlis.com

Flavorful roasted cauliflower and hearty black beans come together in these zesty, plant-based tacos, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

I enjoy making these tacos for a quick weeknight dinner as they are flavorful yet simple enough to prepare on busy days.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 medium head cauliflower cut into small florets
  • Red onion: 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • Lettuce: 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • Lime: 1 lime cut into wedges
  • Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans drained and rinsed
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Chili powder: 2 tsp chili powder
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Corn tortillas: 8 small corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • Vegan sour cream or plain yogurt: 1/4 cup
  • Hot sauce: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl toss cauliflower florets with olive oil chili powder smoked paprika cumin garlic powder cayenne salt and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3:
Spread cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer Roast for 20 25 minutes stirring halfway until golden and tender.
Step 4:
While cauliflower roasts warm the black beans in a small saucepan over low heat stirring occasionally.
Step 5:
Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and warm in the oven for 5 minutes.
Step 6:
Assemble tacos Layer shredded lettuce roasted cauliflower black beans red onion and avocado onto tortillas.
Step 7:
Top with cilantro vegan sour cream and a squeeze of lime Add hot sauce if desired Serve immediately.
Save
| tastlis.com

These tacos make for a wonderful family dinner especially during cooler nights when comfort food is welcome.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Variations

Swap corn tortillas with flour ones or add pickled jalapeños for extra heat and tang.

Zesty roasted cauliflower and black beans nestled in warm corn tortillas, ready to enjoy. Save
Zesty roasted cauliflower and black beans nestled in warm corn tortillas, ready to enjoy. | tastlis.com

This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick plant-based meal.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to roast the cauliflower?

Toss cauliflower florets evenly with olive oil and spices, spread them in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet, and roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, while black beans complement the spices well, pinto or kidney beans can be used for a variation in flavor and texture.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Adjust cayenne pepper amount or add hot sauce to taste when assembling the tacos for extra heat.

Are corn tortillas the only option?

No, flour tortillas work well too, offering a softer texture if preferred.

What toppings work best with these tacos?

Fresh cilantro, vegan sour cream, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime complement the spicy cauliflower and black beans beautifully.

Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Roasted cauliflower and warmed beans can be made in advance and assembled just before serving for convenience.

Spicy Cauliflower Black Bean Tacos

Zesty roasted cauliflower and black beans with fresh toppings make a quick, flavorful plant-based meal.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Overall Time
45 min
Author Lena Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details Plant-Based, Free from Dairy, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into small florets
02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 2 cups shredded lettuce
04 1 ripe avocado, sliced
05 1 lime, cut into wedges

Beans

01 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 teaspoons chili powder
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Tacos

01 8 small corn tortillas

Optional Toppings

01 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
02 1/4 cup vegan sour cream or plain vegan yogurt
03 Hot sauce, to taste

Directions

Instruction 01

Preheat oven: Set oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Instruction 02

Prepare cauliflower: Combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat evenly.

Instruction 03

Roast cauliflower: Arrange seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and tender.

Instruction 04

Heat black beans: Warm black beans in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Instruction 05

Warm tortillas: Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and warm in the oven for 5 minutes.

Instruction 06

Assemble tacos: Layer shredded lettuce, roasted cauliflower, black beans, sliced red onion, and avocado on each tortilla.

Instruction 07

Add toppings and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, vegan sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. Add hot sauce if desired, then serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Notes

Review each component for possible allergens. If you aren't sure, ask a health pro.
  • No major allergens present when using dairy-free toppings and corn tortillas; verify ingredient labels for gluten or dairy if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutrition data is just for your information—always check with a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Energy: 265
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 8 g