Delicious & Healthy Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos: Your New Favorite Vegetarian Meal

Discover the vibrant flavors of fall in a delightful, handheld package with these Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos. This recipe offers a savory and incredibly satisfying vegetarian meal that will make you forget all about meat! Perfectly seasoned butternut squash and hearty black beans create a robust filling, making these tacos an ideal choice for a nutritious and delicious Taco Tuesday – or any day of the week!

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill! While I received compensation for this content, rest assured that all opinions shared, and the delicious recipe itself, are entirely my own. Your support for the brands that partner with Cake ‘n Knife is greatly appreciated!

Embracing the Unexpected: A Journey to Vegetarian Delights

Admittedly, creating a vegetarian recipe isn’t my usual fare. For years, I’ve considered myself a dedicated carnivore, rarely venturing into the realm of Meatless Mondays or deliberately cutting back on meat. My plate was consistently piled high with savory proteins, and I rarely questioned it. But as seasons change, so do palates, and recently, I’ve found myself experiencing a surprising shift towards plant-based eating.

This newfound appreciation for plant-based meals, particularly fresh vegetables, beans, and fruits, has been a delightful discovery over the past year or so. Perhaps it’s a sign of maturity, a natural evolution of taste buds that comes with age. Or maybe, after indulging in richer foods, my body simply started demanding a different kind of nourishment, a gentle whisper turning into a clear plea for “healthy things!” Whatever the reason, I’m now enthusiastically embracing these cravings, especially as we officially transition into the vibrant bounty of the fall season.

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Celebrating Fall Flavors: Butternut Squash Takes Center Stage

Fall brings an abundance of delicious produce, and I’m eager to fill my plate with seasonal delights like pumpkin, various squashes, and other harvest vegetables. Among these, roasted butternut squash stands out as a personal favorite. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile, perfect for featuring as a standalone side dish or as a star ingredient in a main course. When roasted, butternut squash develops a beautiful caramelization that intensifies its sweetness, making it an irresistible component in any dish.

However, when designing an entrée, relying solely on butternut squash can sometimes leave a dish feeling incomplete. That’s precisely where another incredibly versatile and satisfying ingredient comes into play: black beans! The combination of tender, sweet roasted butternut squash with savory, perfectly seasoned black beans creates an unbelievably hearty and flavorful pairing. This duo forms the perfect foundation for one of my absolute favorite culinary canvases:

TACOS!

The Secret to Incredible Black Beans: From Scratch with Bob’s Red Mill

For many years, my experience with black beans was limited to canned varieties. I’d drain them, rinse them, and hope that the faint metallic taste would disappear once they were heated through – a hope that, more often than not, went unfulfilled. That all changed the moment I discovered the superior quality of Bob’s Red Mill Black Turtle Beans. Cooking black beans from scratch was a revelation, transforming them from a mere ingredient into a truly delicious component of any meal.

One of the greatest advantages of using dried black beans, particularly Bob’s Red Mill Black Turtle Beans, is the ease with which you can prepare a large batch in advance. A lazy weekend afternoon or a free evening is all it takes to cook them to perfection. Simply simmer them on the stove for about an hour and a half until the water is absorbed and they’re tender. Once cooked, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ready to be incorporated into countless dishes throughout the week. Their versatility is unmatched: use them in these tacos, stuff them into burritos, transform them into creamy refried beans, or serve them alongside rice for a classic, comforting meal. Plus, cooking them yourself allows for complete control over their flavor profile, a crucial step in elevating your dishes.

For these tacos, I chose a simple yet effective seasoning blend: cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These spices beautifully enhance the rich, earthy notes of the black beans, creating a depth of flavor that complements the squash perfectly. When combined with the subtly sweet and spicy roasted butternut squash, they create a wonderfully hearty and satisfying filling. Trust me, with such a robust flavor combination, you absolutely will not miss the meat in these vegetarian tacos!

Building the Perfect Taco: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

Once the foundation of flavorful butternut squash and black beans is ready, it’s time to elevate the experience with a medley of vibrant toppings. These additions introduce essential color, delightful textures, and an extra layer of flavor that truly brings the tacos to life. For these particular tacos, I’ve chosen a few favorites that perfectly complement the main filling:

• Shredded Purple Cabbage: Adds a fantastic crunch and a pop of color, contrasting beautifully with the softer filling. Its slightly peppery notes also provide a fresh counterpoint.
• Diced Pineapple: Offers a burst of sweet and tangy freshness that cuts through the richness of the beans and squash, adding an unexpected but welcome tropical note. It’s a game-changer!
• Creamy Chipotle Sauce: This zesty, smoky sauce is the ultimate binder, bringing all the different flavors and textures into a harmonious whole. Its creamy texture and mild heat are irresistible and truly tie the taco together.
• Sliced Avocado: Because, well, it’s me! A creamy, rich avocado adds a luxurious touch and another layer of healthy fats that enhance the overall indulgence of the taco. It’s a non-negotiable for taco perfection.
• Fresh Cilantro: A final sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro brightens everything up with its distinct, fresh aroma and flavor.

With these elements combined, you’re not just making tacos; you’re crafting a culinary masterpiece that will conquer all your future Taco Tuesday nights! It’s a delightful balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and fresh, all wrapped up in a convenient, delicious package.

Recipe Essentials

To make these delightful tacos seamlessly, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here are a few must-haves that will assist you in preparing this recipe with ease, ensuring a smooth cooking process and perfect results every time:

• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 2-Quart Saucepan: Perfect for simmering your black beans to tender perfection, this saucepan ensures even heat distribution for consistent results, preventing scorching and ensuring a creamy texture.
• Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet: An essential for roasting the butternut squash, this baking sheet provides ample space for the squash to caramelize beautifully, preventing steaming and ensuring a delicious, slightly crispy exterior.
• X-Chef Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: A set of sturdy mixing bowls is invaluable for tossing the squash with seasonings and whisking together the creamy chipotle sauce. Having various sizes makes prep work much more organized.

Don’t forget to Pin this Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos recipe for easy access later and to share with your friends!

Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos

Taco Tuesday gets a delicious, healthy, and vegetarian twist with these flavorful tacos! Featuring perfectly roasted butternut squash, hearty Bob’s Red Mill Black Turtle Beans, sweet and tangy pineapple, and a creamy chipotle sauce, this recipe is a must-try for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

2 hrs

Total Time:

1 hr 45 mins

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Ingredients

For the Roasted Butternut Squash:

• 1/2 butternut squash seeded and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for desired heat)

For the Black Beans:

• 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Black Turtle Beans (dried, uncooked)
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers (adds smoky heat and flavor)
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime (for brightness and tang)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)

For Assembling the Tacos:

• 12-14 small corn tortillas (warmed for pliability)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (for crunch and color)
• 1 avocado peeled, pitted, and sliced or diced
• 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
• Garnish: freshly chopped cilantro

Instructions

• 1. Prepare the Black Beans: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the Bob’s Red Mill Black Turtle Beans to the boiling water, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until all the water has been absorbed and the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• 2. Preheat Oven: While the beans are cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even roasting.
• 3. Roast the Butternut Squash: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Ensure the squash is evenly coated for optimal flavor and caramelization. Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized at the edges, turning halfway through if desired.
• 4. Season the Black Beans: Once the black beans are fully cooked, stir in the cumin powder, garlic powder, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the seasonings. Keep the beans warm over the lowest heat setting while you prepare the remaining components.
• 5. Prepare the Creamy Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), adobo sauce from chipotle peppers, freshly chopped cilantro, the juice of one lime, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside until ready to assemble.
• 6. Assemble the Tacos: Warm your corn tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or lightly toasted in the oven. To build each taco, layer a generous spoonful of roasted butternut squash, followed by the seasoned black beans. Top with a sprinkle of shredded purple cabbage, a few slices of creamy avocado, and a vibrant scattering of diced pineapple. Drizzle generously with the prepared creamy chipotle sauce and garnish with extra freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, flavorful feast!

Category:
Main Dish, Vegetarian, Mexican

Tips for Success & Variations

To ensure your Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos are a resounding success and to customize them to your liking, consider these helpful tips and variations:

• Butternut Squash Prep: Peeling and cubing butternut squash can be a bit challenging. For easier preparation, you can microwave the whole squash for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This softens the skin and flesh slightly, making it much simpler to handle. Always be cautious when cutting.
• Black Bean Alternatives: While cooking dried black beans from scratch offers superior flavor and texture, if you’re short on time, you can certainly use two 15-ounce cans of high-quality black beans. Make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and any metallic taste. Then, simmer them with the cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 5-10 minutes to infuse flavor before adding to your tacos.
• Adjusting Spice Level: The red pepper flakes in the squash and the cayenne pepper in the chipotle sauce are adjustable. If you prefer a milder taco, reduce or omit them. For those who love heat, feel free to add a little more!
• Tortilla Choices: While warm corn tortillas are traditional and provide a delightful, authentic texture and flavor, feel free to use flour tortillas if you prefer. Ensuring they are warmed through is crucial for pliability and to prevent them from tearing.
• Explore Additional Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to the suggestions! Other fantastic toppings include crumbled cotija cheese (omit for a vegan version), thinly sliced radishes for extra peppery crunch, pickled red onions for a tangy bite, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving, or a dollop of homemade guacamole for an even richer experience.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe completely vegan, simply substitute the sour cream in the chipotle sauce with a dairy-free sour cream alternative or a plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt.

Why You’ll Love These Vegetarian Tacos

These Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience. They embody everything wonderful about fall cooking while being incredibly satisfying and nutritious. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:

• Hearty & Filling: The robust combination of fiber-rich black beans and substantial, sweet roasted butternut squash ensures a meal that truly fills you up, making them a perfect, guilt-free replacement for traditional meat-filled tacos. You won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything!
• Packed with Flavor: From the smoky sweetness of perfectly roasted squash to the earthy, expertly spiced black beans, and the zesty, creamy chipotle sauce, every single bite is a burst of deliciousness. The interplay of sweet, savory, and tangy notes is truly captivating.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with vibrant vegetables and plant-based protein, these tacos are a fantastic way to nourish your body without sacrificing an ounce of taste. They are naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
• Seasonal Appeal: This recipe beautifully celebrates the best of fall produce, bringing warm, comforting, and seasonal flavors directly to your table. It’s the taste of autumn in a handheld form.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual and fun Taco Tuesday with family, a festive gathering with friends, or a healthy and quick weeknight dinner, these tacos are versatile, easy to scale, and always a crowd-pleaser. They bring joy to any mealtime!
• Easy to Make Ahead: Both the black beans and the butternut squash can be prepared in advance, making assembly quick and effortless when you’re ready to eat. This is ideal for busy individuals or meal prep enthusiasts.

We truly hope you enjoy these fantastic Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos as much as we do. They offer a fresh, exciting, and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the classic taco experience, proving that healthy eating can be both easy and absolutely delicious. Give them a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments!