Easy Vegetarian Taco Bowl Recipe

Serves 4

Try out this flavorful vegetarian taco bowl recipe for your next family meal, and get your kids to help. When kids are a part of mealtime prep and decisions, they are more likely to try the food offered.

Based on your child's age and skill level, get them involved by letting them:

  • Pour and mix the homemade taco seasoning spices together.
  • Mix the beans and salsa before warming.
  • Create their own bowl by scooping up the foods they want to try.
  • Chop the bell peppers (supervised, with a child-safe knife).

Download a print-friendly version of the easy vegetarian taco bowl recipe.

In this article:

Graphic illustration of our easy vegetarian taco bowl with ingredients falling into the bowl

Taco bowl ingredients

Serves 4

  • 1 packet of reduced-sodium taco seasoning, or try our homemade taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup lime juice or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu
  • 1 medium onion, sliced into strips
  • 1 bell pepper (color of choice), sliced into strips
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup of your favorite salsa
  • 4 cups mixed lettuce greens
  • 2 cups rice, cooked
  • 1 cup corn, cooked
  • Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, tomatoes, salsa, plain Greek yogurt (in place of sour cream)

Safety note: If serving grape or cherry tomatoes to children younger than 4 years of age cut them in quarters to reduce choking risk.

Taco bowl cooking directions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together taco seasoning, lime juice and olive oil.
  2. Press out the water from the tofu and cut into bite-sized cubes.
  3. Combine tofu, onions and peppers in taco seasoning mixture. Stir until coated. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. The longer you let it sit, the more time the tofu will have to absorb the flavors.
  4. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  5. Arrange seasoned tofu, onion and peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the black beans and salsa. Heat in the microwave* for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
  7. Remove tofu, onions and peppers from the oven.
  8. Build your bowl:
    • 1 cup lettuce greens
    • 1/2 cup warmed rice
    • 1/4 cup warmed bean mixture
    • 1/2 cup tofu mixture
    • 1/4 cup corn sprinkled on top with any additional toppings of choice

* You can also warm the beans and salsa on the stovetop instead of in a microwave. If you heat on the stovetop, add 1/2 to 3/4 cup water to account for evaporation.

Taco seasoning ingredients and directions

This taco seasoning recipe makes the equivalent of about 5 packets of store-bought taco seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander (or oregano)
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Directions

  • Combine ingredients.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the pantry.

Taco bowl nutrition facts

See below for the nutrition facts for 1 serving of the taco bowl (toppings and taco seasoning not included).

1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups):

Calories: 432
Protein: 20.16 grams
Carbohydrates: 61.64 grams
Fiber: 13.16 grams
Fat: 12.5 grams

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