Vegetarian Taco Bowls

User Reviews

5

33 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    40 mins

  • Servings

    2 servings

  • Calories

    447 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Tex-Mex, Vegetarian

Vegetarian Taco Bowls

Vegetarian Taco Bowls combine a roasted cauliflower and walnut "taco meat" with yellow rice and a variety of fresh toppings like lettuce, pico de gallo, corn, black beans, cilantro, and guacamole. The taco meat is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and hot sauce, creating a hearty, plant-based filling with a textured, crumbly consistency. Roasted in the oven, it lends a depth of flavor and a satisfying bite to the bowl.

Description

Vegetarian Taco Bowls feature a unique cauliflower and walnut mixture that is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of hot sauce, then roasted to create a flavorful, crumbly taco meat alternative. The use of riced cauliflower and finely processed walnuts provides texture and substance. The base of yellow rice offers a mild, slightly nutty complement to the robust seasoned meat. To finish, the bowls are topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients such as shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, corn, black beans, cilantro, and guacamole, each adding layers of freshness, sweetness, and creaminess.

The cauliflower-walnut mixture is roasted on a baking sheet, developing a mildly crispy texture while maintaining moisture inside. The combination of spices balances smokiness, earthiness, and a mild heat. The assembly of the bowl allows customization with toppings, making it adaptable to different preferences and available produce. This preparation fits well as a main vegetarian meal providing protein and vegetables in an approachable form.

The recipe also encourages adding extras like chopped avocado or sour cream, and includes options for edible taco bowls or meal prep tips in the blog post. These variations provide flexibility depending on serving style or storage needs.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup yellow rice uncooked
  • 2-3 cups lettuce shredded
  • 1-2 cups Pico de Gallo
  • 1/4-1/2 cup corn (canned, steamed, etc...)
  • 1/4-1/2 cup black beans (cooked or canned)
  • cilantro to taste, fresh, chopped
  • guacamole to taste, fresh

Cauliflower Walnut Taco Meat

  • 6 oz cauliflower or 1.5 cups riced cauliflower, florets
  • 1 cup walnut pieces unsalted
  • ½ TBSP chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin ground
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt plus extra to taste
  • tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1-2 TBSP enchilada sauce or taco sauce

Instructions

  1. First let's make the faux taco meat! Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. If using cauliflower rice, just set aside 1 + 1/2 cups and pulse your walnuts in a food processor until it resembles fine crumbles. Using florets? Add both walnuts and cauli to the food processor and blend into crumbles together. There's a photo in the blog post for size reference, if needed.
  3. Season cauli-walnut mxiture with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well and spread on a greased baking sheet in a thin layer. Roast for 30 minutes, stirring at the 15-minute mark for even browning. Once done, add hot sauce enchilada/taco sauce and mix it up. 
  4. While your cauliflower mixture roasts, cook the yellow rice via package instructions, approx. 20 minutes.
  5. While everything cooks, prep your veggies and toppings. Once the rice and seasoned cauliflower mixture are ready, layer them both at the bottom of two bowls and top with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Chop walnuts finely to match the texture of riced cauliflower for better consistency in the taco meat.
  • Roast cauliflower and walnut mixture spread thinly on a baking sheet and stir halfway through to ensure even browning.
  • Customize bowls with extra toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or lime wedges to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Prepare edible taco bowls or use this recipe for meal prep by storing components separately.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 447kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 101g (34%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 810mg (34%) Potassium 326mg (7%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 13g (26%) Vitamin A 944IU (19%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 45mg (5%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 447 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 447kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 101g 34%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 810mg 34%
Potassium 326mg 7%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 13g 26%
Vitamin A 944IU 19%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 45mg 5%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

33 reviews
Excellent

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