Easy Black Bean Taquitos for a Quick Snack: A Healthy, Flavorful Delight

If you’re in need of a quick snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious, Easy Black Bean Taquitos are the perfect choice. These crispy, bite-sized delights are loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor—making them an ideal option for a snack or light meal. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a quick dinner, or need a snack to tide you over, these taquitos are a convenient and healthy option that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Black Bean Taquitos

Taquitos are a versatile and easy-to-make dish, and they’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based, low-fat, and flavor-packed meal. The combination of black beans, spices, and cheese delivers a rich flavor while still keeping things light and balanced. This recipe is designed for both flexibility and ease—whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or as an appetizer to serve with salsa and guacamole, it will always hit the spot.

Furthermore, they are an excellent source of plant-based protein, high in fiber, and naturally gluten-free (just be sure to use corn tortillas), making them a great option for a variety of dietary needs. They’re also a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried taquitos, as they are baked instead of fried, which significantly reduces the fat and calorie content.

Detailed Ingredients List

To make these taquitos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 can (400g) black beans, rinsed and drained: Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re rich in nutrients, such as folate, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. For extra texture and flavor, you can use black bean refried beans as an alternative, although the traditional version uses whole beans.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (vegan or regular): Choose your cheese based on your dietary preferences. If you’re going for a vegan version, choose a plant-based cheese alternative. Regular shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Mexican blend, will add creaminess and help the filling hold together better. The cheese also adds a delicious richness to balance the savory spices.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin is one of the key spices in this recipe, adding a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor. It pairs well with black beans and other ingredients, contributing to the rich flavor profile of the taquitos.
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Chili powder gives a mild heat to the taquitos. Depending on your heat tolerance, you can adjust the quantity or substitute it with a milder paprika for a more subtle flavor.
  • 8 small corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet. They also bring a nice texture to the taquitos, becoming delightfully crispy when baked. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative, you can opt for whole-grain corn tortillas, which add more fiber.
  • Olive oil spray: To give the taquitos a golden, crispy texture without the excess oil, use olive oil spray. It’s an excellent alternative to brushing the tortillas with oil and helps keep the dish lighter. You could also use avocado oil spray for a mild flavor.
  • Salsa and guacamole for serving: Salsa adds a fresh, tangy complement to the taquitos, while guacamole provides a creamy contrast. Both enhance the dish, adding extra flavor and texture. Feel free to make your own homemade salsa and guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Preheating the oven ensures that the taquitos cook evenly and become crispy. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the taquitos from sticking to the sheet and makes cleanup much easier after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Black Bean Filling

In a mixing bowl, rinse and drain the black beans to remove any excess liquid. The texture of the beans should be soft but not mushy. Use a fork or a potato masher to gently mash the beans, leaving some whole for texture. The goal is to create a slightly chunky filling that will hold together when rolled into the tortillas.

Add shredded cheese to the mashed beans. This is what will bind the mixture together, creating a rich and creamy filling. If you’re making a vegan version, opt for a plant-based cheese, or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Next, add ground cumin and chili powder to the bean and cheese mixture. Cumin provides an earthy warmth, while chili powder adds a mild kick of heat. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, depending on how spicy or mild you prefer your taquitos.

Stir the mixture well to ensure that the spices and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the black beans. The result should be a flavorful, thick filling that is ready for the tortillas.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Lay the corn tortillas on a flat surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. For best results, warm the tortillas slightly before filling them. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or microwaving them in a damp towel for about 20 seconds. This will prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolled.

Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the black bean filling into the center of each tortilla. Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and result in messy taquitos. You want the filling to be spread evenly but not spilling over.

Once filled, carefully roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the seam is on the bottom so the taquito doesn’t unroll during baking. It’s important to roll them tightly but gently to keep the tortillas intact.

Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a small amount of space between each taquito to allow air to circulate and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Spray with Olive Oil and Bake

Once all the taquitos are on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with olive oil using a spray bottle. This will help the taquitos crisp up and become golden brown during baking. If you don’t have a spray, you can lightly brush the taquitos with olive oil using a pastry brush.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t burn. The taquitos should be golden and crispy on the outside when done. If you prefer extra-crispy taquitos, you can bake them for a couple of additional minutes, but be careful not to overcook them.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the taquitos are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. They will be very hot right out of the oven, so give them time to firm up and cool slightly before serving.

Serve the taquitos with fresh salsa and guacamole for dipping. If you’re in the mood for extra flavor, you can sprinkle some cilantro on top or add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy kick.

Useful Tips for Perfect Black Bean Taquitos

  1. Choosing Tortillas: Make sure to choose small corn tortillas for easy rolling. If you can’t find small ones, you can also use flour tortillas for a different texture, though they will add a few more calories.
  2. Add Protein: If you want to add extra protein to the dish, consider adding shredded chicken, tofu, or ground turkey to the filling mixture. You can sauté the protein before mixing it in with the beans and cheese.
  3. Make It Spicy: If you like your food spicy, increase the amount of chili powder or add some jalapeño or hot sauce to the filling. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an added kick.
  4. Use Homemade Salsa: Making your own salsa is easy and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. You can mix tomatoes, onions, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and chili peppers for a fresh and vibrant salsa that complements the taquitos perfectly.
  5. Store and Reheat: These taquitos make excellent leftovers! Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side.

Conclusion

These Easy Black Bean Taquitos are a fantastic snack or light meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With a filling that’s both nutritious and satisfying, these taquitos are perfect for anyone following a healthy eating plan or simply looking for a delicious, quick bite. They’re packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, while being low in calories and completely customizable to your taste preferences.