Perfect for Meatless Monday or Taco Tuesday, these Cranberry Bean & Pepper Tacos will change the way you think about tacos. Gluten-free and vegan, these healthy homemade tacos will meet all taco-loving needs!
I think it’s Taco Time! Not Taco Tuesday, but you need the recipe beforehand anyway, right? You can plan and prep these for tomorrow if that floats you boat or have them for tonight’s Meatless Monday. But of course, you can make these any day of the week. Mexican is always good no matter when you dish it up! I have some sort of Mexican themed meal at least once or twice a week. How could you ever deprive yourself of avocado ans salsa filled dishes? It would be pretty unfortunate to ever skip out!
One question I have for you though is hard shell or soft shell? It’s a conundrum I think we all find ourselves in at one point or another when it’s time to decide our vessel of filling of Mexican goodness. Hard shells are a delicious crunchy “tortilla chip” base and soft are just really easy and less messy to bite into. However, I like them both! When I was a little girl, I loved real white wheat flour tortillas, but obviously that’s not an option anymore. Now I’ll happily take a crunchy corn hard shell
. I really don’t care much, I’m a messy eater anyway so a hard shell is fine, but a soft shell will always be classic!
The real star of the show anyway is the filling. Am I right? That’s where the flavor is. The wonderful endless possibilities that could go inside a taco shell. Heck, tacos don’t even have to be Mexican anymore! They can be any cuisine, any theme, and include any ingredient…like pumpkin! Yes, I grew-up with the classic ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sauce, and sour cream. Now? my tacos are as complex as my pizzas. I’ve got to say, I like it this way much better 😉
Cranberry Bean & Pepper Tacos
- 3 Cups Cooked Cranberry (Roma) Beans (1 Cup dry)
- 1 Cup (10 oz) Tri-Colored Sliced Bell Peppers
- ½ Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
- ½ Tsp Liquid Smoke
- 2 TB Ketchup
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp Dried Chives
- ½ Tsp Cumin
- ½ TB Chili Powder
- 6 Crunchy Corn Hard Shells
- 1 Avocado (mashed, topping)
- Alfalfa Sprouts (topping)
- In a large sauce pot, combine the cooked beans, peppers, parsley, liquid smoke, ketchup, and spices. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Fill each taco shell with the bean filling. Top with a scoop (or two) or mashed avocado and some sprouts. Then just dig in!
As you can see, the shell is just the envelope to the secret letter of delicious that awaits your mouth! Just like an envelope, it’s essential for delivering to the recipient, but once it’s opened, that’s when the greatness is realized 😉 Haha, like my analogies? I thought it was clever; you probably think I’m crazy. Thus I’ll leave you with a call to action: MAKE SOME TACOS! (No matter what envelope shell you decide to use).
So tell me:
+ Hard shell or soft shell?
+ Classic taco or something wild?
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
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Hope you enjoyed your feature at Full Plate Thursday this week and your new Red Plate. Have a great day and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
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When I first saw this I thought, “Cranberries, beans, and peppers, what an interesting combo.” 😉 I’m going to have to find come cranberry beans and try them out. Thanks for sharing with us at Savoring Saturdays, Rebecca!
Raia recently posted…Dairy-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk & Father’s Day Favorites
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I like both hard and soft shells, but I prefer the soft. I usually make traditional tacos, but I’ll try just about anything if I order them out. I’m a big fan of cranberry beans, too.
Sherry recently posted…Funtastic Friday #29
Awesome! Love that you actually have had cranberry beans!
I showed my hubby how you used bean sprouts instead of lettuce and he is excited to try it! Thank you for the awesome idea. I’ve never seen cranberry beans, but I’m sure I can find them online.
Michelle Wallace recently posted…Letter to My Son: I’m Helpless When You Cry
I actually had no intention of that mimicking lettuce! Haha! But I guess it kinda does!
Cranberry beans are also called Roma beans. Very common, just look in the store. You could really use any bean though.
I could eat these every day! I am delighted that you shared your healthy and delicious Cranberry Bean & Pepper Tacos recipe with us on the Plant-Based Potluck Party Link Up. I appreciate it and I can’t wait to try your recipe this summer! I’m pinning and sharing.
Deborah Davis recently posted…Start Building a Summer-Ready Body with TreFitNYC’s “Start of Summer” Workout
Haha, same!
I’ve never heard of cranberry beans before. I’ll have to check them out. I was actually trying to decide what to do for dinner tonight. Tacos sound awesome so I think it will be taco Tuesday! Thanks for linking up at ShareTheWealthSunday!
Xoxo
Lisa
Yay for taco Tuesday!!!
I’ll happily eat both crunchy or soft– but soft corn tortillas are definitely my fav. I’ve been really into egg tacos for breakfast lately 🙂 Love this combo though– I never buy cranberry beans, but will have to pick some up 🙂
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Strawberry Kiwi Shortcakes, Gluten-Free
Breakfast tacos with all the salsa!!!
I felt bad for the beans since no one ever uses them! Haha!
What a combination! Love that! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Stephanie recently posted…Summer Bible Study Ideas
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Love the combination for the filling! Tacos are a favorite at our house. I love the hard shell ones for their crunch
The crunch is good! Thanks Sandhya!
Yumymy! I have been planning to make tacos for our cookouts this summer, so I am delighted that you shared your healthy and delectable Cranberry Bean & Pepper Tacos recipe with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I appreciate it. I’m pinning and sharing.
Deborah Davis recently posted…Plant-Based Protein Pick Me Up: Banana Almond Blackberry Protein Smoothie
Awesome! Thanks!
To be honset, I’d ditch the taco and just eat the filling! It sounds great, and I’ve never heard of cranberry beans before 🙂
Elaine @ foodbod recently posted…Going green: a sauce of freshness & fabulousness..
Well thank you so much Elaine!
Unique recipe… looks delish!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy recently posted…DIY Dollhouse Part 3: Rugs, Furniture and Wall Art
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What a nice idea for alternative ingredients! We are so glad you shared this yummy recipe with us at Merry Monday. We look forward to seeing your creativity again.
Shirley Wood recently posted…Smoky Mountain Cabin Review of Dakota Lodge in Pigeon Forge
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Thanks for adding this to the Healthy Living Link Party. We hope you will come back next Wednesday.
Elaine Hodges recently posted…3 Weeks of One-Dish Meals {Roundup}
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“I have some sort of Mexican themed meal at least once or twice a week.”
Ditto! I tend more towards burrito-like meals, like burrito bowls with black beans & guacamole. I tend to make it similar each time, but like to switch it up sometimes with boiled sweet potatoes and/or sautéed veggies. Or tempeh crumbles!
When I read the title of this recipe I was thinking “cranberries in tacos?” how weird. Ha! I didn’t realise there was a bean called a cranberry bean. I’m not sure I’ve seen one, but I will try to track it down as it sounds super fun! These tacos sound great. Thanks for sharing them at Healthy Vegan Fridays. Have a great weekend!
kimmythevegan recently posted…Healthy Vegan Friday #51
Me too! Mexican bowls are a staple!
Hi Rebecca,
Great recipes – sounds delicious and nutritious. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Friday #92 – Health For Life
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Hi Rebecca.. What a great combination of flavors. I love both types of taco shells and using different ingredients too. Have a great weekend and Happy FF! :))
Thank you!
Looks delish! I’ve never even heard of a cranberry bean before :-).
Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean recently posted…One Skillet Sweet ‘n Salty Chicken Thighs
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Looks fresh and delicious! Lovely photos!
Thanks!
Tacos everyday :). Love the simple easy recipe idea; I need more tacos in my life and this is good inspiration!
Jenny D recently posted…Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Icing
I need more tacoing in my life too 😉
This looks so tasty! I’m usually a soft shell (corn, of course) person, but there’s a few things I prefer in a hard shell, such as sloppy joes. Have an awesome weekend! 😀
Kaila (GF Life 24/7) recently posted…Strawberry Shortcake (GF & DF)
Well that’s a new one! Sloppy Joe’s are meant for buns not a taco shell!
Definitely hard shells! I love the contrast in texture with the filling. Thank you for sharing this at the Healthy Living Link Party!
Karen Patten recently posted…Healthy Living Link Party #15
The crunch is nice!
These look fantastic! Thanks for sharing at Wakeup Wednesday.
Kristine 🙂
Kristine Hart recently posted…Celebration!! My Room Flip Is Finally Finished!!!
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Hi Rebecca, unusual flavour combo! I do hope you’ll come over to Food on Friday: Berries & Currants to add this to the recipe collection! Cheers from Carole’s Chatter
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These remind me that I haven’t had tacos for a long time. Thanks for the recipe. Everyday is meatless in my house so it can be Taco Thursday tonight!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…10 Blogkeeping Tasks that Anyone Can Do
Yes! Taco Thursday!
Thanks for sharing these delicious tacos they look great!
Sue recently posted…Wednesday’s Wisdom #20
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YUUUM! Thank you for linking up to Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesdays via Creatively Homespun! I have pinned your post to our Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board! I hope to see you again this week! xo
Creatively Homespun recently posted…Tasty Tuesday 6/9 Link Party!
Yea, thanks!
I love Tacos and this recipe looks so good. Definitely trying it out! #tastytuesdays
Thank you!
Now that sounds like an interesting combination of flavors!
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So easy and so delicious! Thanks for sharing it on #WednesdaysWisdom !
Debbie recently posted…Tip Tuesday Linkup Party #4
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These look great! I have never used cranberry beans before and I love the alfalfa sprout addition.
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Crockpot Vegan Mexican Quino
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Tacos aren’t something we Brits seems to eat a lot of but my kids loved them when we were recently in Jamaica so I’m going to be buying some and trying this gorgeous recipe. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Honest mum recently posted…Moreish Mediterranean Platter
O yes! You must start making tacos at home more often!
YUMMMMMM! I have never ever ever met a taco I didn’t like! 🙂
Lora recently posted…Being me is hard to do! (But Imma gonna do it!)
Haha, yea, that would be a rare encounter 😉
These look amazing!
kenzie negron recently posted…Saving Money Throughout College PART 2: FOOD
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Hahaha I was totally thinking actual cranberries when I saw this on IG 😀 I never knew there was a such thing as cranberry BEANS! And with the smokey flavor these must be amazing!!!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Everything-Free Cinnamon Cupcakes with Applesauceting
Now that everyone has mentioned this “cranberry” misconception…..I’m brewing up a cranberry taco recipe in my head….. 😉
Hehe 😀 Do it!!! For christmas lol
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Everything-Free Cinnamon Cupcakes with Applesauceting
YUM! These look wonderful. We have tofu tacos once a week in our house … I may have to add this to the rotation!
~jules
Ah yes, please do! Thanks Jules! XOXO
Ah, damn, now I have the second best Mexican recipe this Tasty Tuesday…out of two! They look delicious, and I imagine the cranberry would texturally go really well with the taco.
Ben Groom recently posted…Chilli Con Carne with Cornbread
There are no cranberries in the recipe, that’s just the name for the bean (which are also called Roma beans)! Haha, but thank you!
These look to good and perfect for summer! We eat tacos every week, and I’m always on the search for a new taco recipe!
Yes! Perfect then! I need to make tacos every week 😉
These look lovely Rebecca! I’ve bookmarked as I’ve got a friend who’s just decided to go vegan, and I’m a bit stumped as to what’s tasty to cook her if she comes to dinner- these would be great to whip up! #tastytuesdays
Becky | Spirited Puddle Jumper recently posted…A Recipe: Tasty Melted Tuna Muffins
Everyone will love a great bean taco!
Oh gosh that looks lovely! It has to be hard shell for me…although at the moment I am grain free so no hard shell for me! One day hopefully!
Vicki Montague – The Free From Fairy recently posted…Rhubarb and Orange Gin – Another Jar Recipe!
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I love hard tacos! I have never heard of cranberry beans. What a great twist!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Helpful Cycling Safety tips for the newbie cyclist or triathlete
Yea, they’re great!
I’ve been making tostatas by crisping up the corn shell in the oven I think this mixture would be perfect on that!! Love hard crunchy taco shells and soft shells for burritos!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Peach Blackberry Cobbler Recipe
Of course it would!!! (And I totally love doing that too!)
Now that’s what I haven’t had in awhile….a really good burrito!
Oooo, definitely soft shell! Cranberry beans are so yummy. I don’t mind cool spin-offs of classic fillings (I had a grilled avocado taco with pineapple salsa once and it was out of this world!) but I don’t know how much wilder I can do than that 😛
genevieve @ gratitude & greens recently posted…A New Self-Love Challenge + Vegan Fesanjan And Adas Polo
Grilled avocado…well now my mouth is watering 😉
There’s nothing better than a good taco! I love the addition of liquid smoke. I’ve really got try that. And the cranberry beans! 🙂
Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa recently posted…Spicy Kimchi Quinoa Bowls
It’s such a random ingredient, I really don’t use it…except recently, haha!
I’m a serious Tex-Mex lover and these tacos look delicious! I always love meatless spins on my favourite dishes! great suggestion 🙂
Laura recently posted…Scallop Provencal Pasta
Thank you! Glad you approve 😉
I definitely agree that tacos (+ any Mexican food 😛 ) can be had at any time of the week! :D! Avocados make my world go round!
I’m more of a fan of soft tortillas, but these look awesome! I don’t think I’ve ever made anything with cranberry beans. :O
Haha, it is all just sooo good!
Same! But with my allergies, crunchy ones are sometimes just easier to deal with!
I pretty much love all tacos (well as long as they’re good). We eat a ton of Mexican food!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted…Vegan Blueberry Pancakes & Meal Planning Monday!
Hahaha, as long as they’re good 😉 Well these are!
This looks super healthy, definitely something to try!
Carmen Perez (listen2mama) recently posted…What’s In My Carry-On?
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It’s always the right time for Mexican food! I’m more of a soft shell kind of girl!
I know! Never a bad time!
these look super duper yummy! i love cranberry beans! great recipe 🙂
revealed recently posted…Read This When Times are Hard
Thank you! I’m glad you’re bean-literate!
Great idea, whenever I go out for Mexican food I always opt for tacos with beans as protein, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything since they are packed with so much earthy flavor.
Evolve with Mary recently posted…Challenge Monday
Right! Still super duper heartier (and yummier!)
Wow these look delicious! Love all the flavors, will give these a try, great recipe!
Florian @ContentednessCooking recently posted…Berry & Coconut-Cream Cake
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These look light, fresh and perfectly filling. I’m going to try to find some cranberry beans in my local markets this week so we can give these a shot for lunch!
Jerry recently posted…Turkey Burgers with Garlic Mayo & Recaito: A Char-Broil Kettleman Adventure
Thank you! I hope you do!
Every time I visit your blog I learn about a new ingredient! This week it’s cranberry beans, never heard of them before! These sound delicious as always, I love Mexican food. #recipeoftheweek
Mandy recently posted…Beetroot and chocolate granola
They’re actually really common in the stores, just really under-utilized! Haha!
Thank you!
Hard call but I have to say hard shell. Don’t get my wrong I use to LOVE and still would love a soft flour tortilla but it wouldn’t sit well. I remember it being one of those things I use to hate when I had to be a very strict gluten free eater (incorrect Celiac diagnoses). For years I missed those soft tortillas and squishy white bread. Now that I could have them without getting ill, still having stomach issues though, they just aren’t as appealing. :/ Honestly I usually go chips with a HUGE taco salad with ALL the veggies, salsa, and guac! 😉
Sarah recently posted…Sun-sational Grapefruit and Avocado Summer Salad
Haha, yea! Throwing taco ingredients in a bowl is usually what I do to get my fix, but when I’m feeling fancy, a real taco is the way to go!
And I feel yea! Nothing will beat a wheat tortilla! I can still remember the taste and texture!
Cranberry beans! I’ve never heard of them, but I want to try! I LOVE tacos both crunchy and soft, but I lean toward soft- easier for me to eat with TMJ. What a nice summer meal idea Rebecca!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted…Horchata Protein Smoothie
Yea, soft are nice since you can keep everything wrapped up much better 😉
I still haven’t tried liquid smoke, need to get on that! Definitely hard shell for me 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Workouts and Weekend Fun
It’s so cheap! Ironically I never use it and still have the first bottle I bought, just the last few recipes I’ve posted have had it used in there!
Ah, a crunchy girl 😉
I usually go with soft-shell tacos, but I like that you did hard shell–it’d be a nice change of pace, and it reminds me of my mom’s tacos when I was a kid. 🙂 Love your idea of doctoring up the beans and making them the “meat” of the taco.
Jill Silverman Hough recently posted…Why I love Pinot Grigio
When we had tacos way back when, my brother and I would also have a few hard shells and soft shells so we could enjoy both textures 😉
These tacos look so light and fresh! Can’t wait to try them this summer!
Celeste recently posted…Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed Rice Krispie Treats (GF and DF)
I’m sure, thanks!
Dear Rebecca, I like both kinds of envelope so that is my final answer. Thanks for sharing this fun recipe. I’m not sure I can find cranberry beans around here, so may have to substitute another. What would you suggest? I pinned this!
Thanks! You can use any bean really, but I’m sure you can find Roma beans!
Aaaahhhh!!! These Tacos are to die for! They look so beautiful, and I love all of the spices you used too! I’m so obsessed with tacos – they are one of my favourite things to make for dinner. I just have to try these!
I love them too! I just never make them enough…which is so silly! They are so quick to make!
Haha! I thought you put cranberries and beans in a taco when I first read the title. That could be interesting. 😉
Hard or soft, depends on my mood. Corn over flour for sure.
A winter time taco recipe perhaps!
This same organic brand that I use makes blue corn shells which I so want to try!
Blue corn taco shells are so good. They have a slightly lighter texture that I love.
I’m not a big bean fan, but your homemade barbecue version might just convert me!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Homemade Sweet Potato S’mores with Grain-Free Graham Crackers
Not even chickpeas?
I’ve never tried cranberry beans, but these sound amazing because tacos are ALWAYS good!!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…Roasted Radish Chips (Recipe Revisited) {Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paleo}
They’re just like any other bean, but perfect and hearty for tacos!
I’ve never thought to put cranberries – or any fruit, for that matter (except avocado) into tacos!
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige recently posted…On Goal Reaching|Don’t Let Your Emotions Dictate Your Actions
I don’t think you read the recipe (or title) dear 😉
These look AMAZING! I love the addition of sprouts!
Lauren Allen recently posted…Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
Haha, really just a random addition!
UM, YUM!!!! I am drooling just looking at these!
Annmarie recently posted…Aji Amarillo Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges + RawSpiceBar Giveaway!
Haha, thank you!
You know, I saw another recipe with cranberry beans in cookbook yesterday. I’ve never used them, but now I think I’ll get some and give them a try!
It’s a sign! Haha! I thought they sounded interesting, so I decided to give them a go!
Hi Rebecca! I just posted some tacos too! I grew up on those standard beef,lettuce, tomato tacos too but now they are so much better! I love that you add sprouts to yours. Looks delicious! Pinning 🙂
Ah! There’s something so satisfying about a good taco recipe!
Thanks dear, I’m off to check yours out!
My hubby has been craving tacos lately, and we have been trying to find some more delicious Meatless Monday meals..and then this! These look amazing!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness recently posted…Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps with Jerk Grilled Tofu {Gluten Free}
Tacos are always a meatless meal solution!
Great idea Rebecca, these sound delicious. What a combination of flavors! YUM!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Tropical Peach, Pineapple and Banana Smoothie
Thanks!
i don’t care what shell it is in, give it me! LOL! yum.
lindsay recently posted…Ginger Lime Tamari Baked Cod and Tips for Seasoning ALL types of Fish
Hahaha, I feel the same way 😉
I’m a soft shell kind of gal…and I’ll take anything stuffed inside it!
Judy (ImBoredLetsGo) recently posted…Classic Martini {Gin or Vodka}
As long as the insides are good 😉
Wow how creative! I love the alfalfa sprouts in there too. I never think of adding those to my tacos. Thanks for joining us for Meatless Monday! Have a great week
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Spicy Summer Gazpacho-Meatless Monday
Lol, it’s just a topping suggestion 😛