Easy Vegetarian Taquitos
These five-ingredient vegetarian taquitos are the perfect quick and easy dinner! They’re easy to assemble and you can add your favorite toppings to customize this dinner for the whole family!
I love these vegetarian taquitos because I can get them in the oven in less about 10 minutes. The taco seasoning gives this recipe plenty of flavor and the beans are so satisfying. If you don’t have any taco seasoning in your pantry, you can easily make your own! I originally wrote this taco seasoning recipe for my cookbook but I loved it so much I decided to share it on the blog!
This recipe makes between 6-8 taquitos depending on how full you want them to be. Typically, taquitos are pretty thin and wrapped tightly. But I prefer a little more filling so I usually make 6, but feel free to make more if you like!
Taquitos vs. Flautas
Taquitos are basically a rolled-up taco. While many versions are filled with chicken or beef, these taquitos are vegetarian, using beans and cheese as the main filling. Taquitos are traditionally made with corn tortillas, but I used flour tortillas for this recipe because they’re a little easier to work with. Technically, since these are made with flour tortillas, they’re called flautas, but many people use the term interchangeably. These are certainly not traditional taquitos by any means, but you can read more about the history of taquitos here.
How to Make Vegan Taquitos
If you prefer to keep these vegan, you can replace the cheese with black beans. They’ll still have tons of flavor and it’s a great way to add more protein and fiber!
How to Make Taquitos in the Oven
To make these in the oven, prepare the the taquitos and place them seam side down in a small casserole dish. Brush with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until they begin to brown on the edges.
How to Make Taquitos in an Air Fryer
If you prefer, you can make these taquitos in an air fryer. I originally bought the Chefman air fryer and it’s a great option for the price. Now I use the Ninja Foodi which is a grill, dehydrator, and air fryer all in one. But if you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make delicious buffalo cauliflower tacos in the oven!
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees.
- Place the taquitos seam side down in the fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
Ingredients
Taco Seasoning– You can make your own with this taco seasoning recipe or you can pick some up at the store! Just keep an eye on the sodium as some storebought brands are very salty.
Refried Beans- Be sure to get vegetarian or fat-free refried beans, as traditional refried beans are often made with lard.
Tortillas– I recommend using flour tortillas rather than corn tortillas since they’re sturdier and can handle being tightly rolled. But as I mentioned, taquitos are typically made with corn tortillas, whereas when they’re made with flour tortillas, they’re called flautas.
Sweet Corn– Frozen or canned sweet corn works great in this recipe!
Shredded Cheese– I like to use sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend of cheeses like Monterey jack and cheddar.
Black Beans– If you want to add more protein, feel free to add black beans! You can use canned beans or try these Mexican black beans for even more flavor. You could also substitute cooked, shredded chicken or another protein.
Topping Ideas– I love serving these taquitos with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce. But feel free to add whatever toppings you like!
The Best Tortillas for Taquitos or Flautas
To keep this recipe more authentic, you’ll want to use corn tortillas. But I find corn tortillas a bit difficult to work with as they have a tendency to crack when rolled. I prefer flour tortillas, which means this dish would be called flautas. You can also use a corn and flour blended tortilla like this one, which offers the flavor of corn but the pliability of a flour tortilla.
Substitution Ideas
- Gluten-free version: To keep these taquitos gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Vegan version: Skip the cheese and add black beans.
- Note: Refried beans are traditionally made with animal fat, so be sure to look for a fat-free or vegetarian version.
Easy Vegetarian Taquitos
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These easy vegetarian taquitos are the perfect quick and easy dinner! They’re only five ingredients and you can add your favorite toppings to customize this dinner for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 15oz can vegetarian refried black beans
- 8 soft flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup sweet corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 15oz can black beans (optional)
- Topping ideas: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, etc.
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine the taco seasoning and refried beans.
- Scoop 3 tablespoons of the seasoned refried beans into each tortilla.
- Top with corn and cheese.
- Tightly roll and place into a pan with the seam side facing down. It helps if you can keep them packed tightly in the pan.
- Brush with olive oil and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until they begin to brown on the edges.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
- Combine the taco seasoning and refried beans.
- Scoop 3 tablespoons of the seasoned refried beans into each tortilla.
- Top with corn and cheese. Add black beans, if using.
- Tightly roll and place into a plate with the seam side facing down.
- Brush or spray with olive oil.
- Place taquitos in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
This recipe makes 8 taquitos which would typically serve 4 people.
Keywords: vegetarian taquitos
Taquito Side Dish Ideas
Easy Black Bean and Corn Salad
What would you put inside these taquitos?
Hi! Do you think cooking them with beans, corn and some veg in them would work the same? Thanks!
I think it would depend on the vegetables! If you wanted to add things like onions, bell peppers, etc. I’d recommend sauteeing them for a few minutes first, to soften them.
Never new about lard, thank you for mentioning this. Love your simple quick 5 ingred. Recipes. Thank you
I’m glad you like the recipe, Grisha!
Oh this looks like a new addition to my tortilla wrap fillings. I love it. Can’t wait to try.
★★★★★
Ooh now these look really really good! We love Mexican food here!
I may have to put a version of these on my menu over the next few weeks! They are just way too quick and easy not to make!
I just got a bunch of black beans and now I’m going to need to make my own refried beans and try this!
Say whaaaa?!?!? YES and YES. Do you think I could freeze these? Would make good grab and go breakfasts for my hubby!