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
or a soft corn
or rice tortilla
. 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
Cranberry Bean & Pepper Tacos
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!
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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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Miz Helen
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Raia
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Raia!
Sherry
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Love that you actually have had cranberry beans!
Michelle Wallace
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
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.
Deborah Davis
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, same!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay for taco Tuesday!!!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Breakfast tacos with all the salsa!!!
I felt bad for the beans since no one ever uses them! Haha!
Stephanie
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sandhya
Love the combination for the filling! Tacos are a favorite at our house. I love the hard shell ones for their crunch
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The crunch is good! Thanks Sandhya!
Deborah Davis
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Thanks!
Elaine @ foodbod
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well thank you so much Elaine!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
Unique recipe... looks delish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Shirley Wood
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Elaine Hodges
Thanks for adding this to the Healthy Living Link Party. We hope you will come back next Wednesday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
kimmythevegan
"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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too! Mexican bowls are a staple!
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
Great recipes - sounds delicious and nutritious. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Quinn Caudill
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! :))
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean
Looks delish! I've never even heard of a cranberry bean before :-).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sridevi Ravi
Looks fresh and delicious! Lovely photos!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Jenny D
Tacos everyday :). Love the simple easy recipe idea; I need more tacos in my life and this is good inspiration!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I need more tacoing in my life too 😉
Kaila (GF Life 24/7)
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! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well that's a new one! Sloppy Joe's are meant for buns not a taco shell!
Karen Patten
Definitely hard shells! I love the contrast in texture with the filling. Thank you for sharing this at the Healthy Living Link Party!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The crunch is nice!
Kristine Hart
These look fantastic! Thanks for sharing at Wakeup Wednesday.
Kristine 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Carole from Carole's Chatter
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Taco Thursday!
Sue
Thanks for sharing these delicious tacos they look great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Creatively Homespun
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, thanks!
Ciara (My Fussy Eater)
I love Tacos and this recipe looks so good. Definitely trying it out! #tastytuesdays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication
Now that sounds like an interesting combination of flavors!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Debbie
So easy and so delicious! Thanks for sharing it on #WednesdaysWisdom !
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Heather@hungryforbalance
These look great! I have never used cranberry beans before and I love the alfalfa sprout addition.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Heather!
Honest mum
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O yes! You must start making tacos at home more often!
Lora
YUMMMMMM! I have never ever ever met a taco I didn't like! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yea, that would be a rare encounter 😉
kenzie negron
These look amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit
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!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Now that everyone has mentioned this "cranberry" misconception.....I'm brewing up a cranberry taco recipe in my head..... 😉
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit
Hehe 😀 Do it!!! For christmas lol
jules
YUM! These look wonderful. We have tofu tacos once a week in our house ... I may have to add this to the rotation!
~jules
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah yes, please do! Thanks Jules! XOXO
Ben Groom
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
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!
Paula
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Perfect then! I need to make tacos every week 😉
Becky | Spirited Puddle Jumper
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Everyone will love a great bean taco!
Vicki Montague - The Free From Fairy
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sandra Laflamme
I love hard tacos! I have never heard of cranberry beans. What a great twist!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, they're great!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
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!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
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 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Grilled avocado...well now my mouth is watering 😉
Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa
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! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's such a random ingredient, I really don't use it...except recently, haha!
Laura
I'm a serious Tex-Mex lover and these tacos look delicious! I always love meatless spins on my favourite dishes! great suggestion 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! Glad you approve 😉
Farrah
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it is all just sooo good!
Same! But with my allergies, crunchy ones are sometimes just easier to deal with!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
I pretty much love all tacos (well as long as they're good). We eat a ton of Mexican food!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, as long as they're good 😉 Well these are!
Carmen Perez (listen2mama)
This looks super healthy, definitely something to try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
It's always the right time for Mexican food! I'm more of a soft shell kind of girl!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! Never a bad time!
revealed
these look super duper yummy! i love cranberry beans! great recipe 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I'm glad you're bean-literate!
Evolve with Mary
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! Still super duper heartier (and yummier!)
Florian @ContentednessCooking
Wow these look delicious! Love all the flavors, will give these a try, great recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Florian!
Jerry
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I hope you do!
Mandy
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They're actually really common in the stores, just really under-utilized! Haha!
Thank you!
Sarah
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! 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
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!
Lisa @ RunWiki
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, soft are nice since you can keep everything wrapped up much better 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I still haven't tried liquid smoke, need to get on that! Definitely hard shell for me 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
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 😉
Jill Silverman Hough
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
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 😉
Celeste
These tacos look so light and fresh! Can't wait to try them this summer!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm sure, thanks!
Nancy A @obloggernewbie
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks! You can use any bean really, but I'm sure you can find Roma beans!
Harriet Emily
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love them too! I just never make them enough...which is so silly! They are so quick to make!
Linda @ Veganosity
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A winter time taco recipe perhaps!
This same organic brand that I use makes blue corn shells which I so want to try!
Linda @ Veganosity
Blue corn taco shells are so good. They have a slightly lighter texture that I love.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
I'm not a big bean fan, but your homemade barbecue version might just convert me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not even chickpeas?
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
I've never tried cranberry beans, but these sound amazing because tacos are ALWAYS good!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They're just like any other bean, but perfect and hearty for tacos!
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige
I've never thought to put cranberries - or any fruit, for that matter (except avocado) into tacos!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I don't think you read the recipe (or title) dear 😉
Lauren Allen
These look AMAZING! I love the addition of sprouts!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, really just a random addition!
Annmarie
UM, YUM!!!! I am drooling just looking at these!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you!
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's a sign! Haha! I thought they sounded interesting, so I decided to give them a go!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah! There's something so satisfying about a good taco recipe!
Thanks dear, I'm off to check yours out!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Tacos are always a meatless meal solution!
Tina Muir
Great idea Rebecca, these sound delicious. What a combination of flavors! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
lindsay
i don't care what shell it is in, give it me! LOL! yum.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, I feel the same way 😉
Judy (ImBoredLetsGo)
I'm a soft shell kind of gal...and I'll take anything stuffed inside it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
As long as the insides are good 😉
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol, it's just a topping suggestion 😛