Protein Pairings – Beans & Beyond

Let’s Be Honest: Your Bowl Deserves More Than Just Lettuce

Alright, so you’ve got your sweet potato taco bowl looking pretty nice. Roasted veggies? Check. Salsa? Of course. But what’s holding it all together? Protein, baby. Whether you’re into plants, meat, or a little bit of everything, the protein is what gives your bowl that satisfying “okay, I’m full now” feeling.

Good news is, you don’t have to stick with the same boring topping every time. From smoky beans to spicy chickpeas to juicy pulled chicken, there’s a whole world of protein pairings just waiting to upgrade your bowl.

Let’s break them down so you can mix, match, and never be bored again.

Classic Pick: Black Beans vs. Pinto Beans

These two are the taco bowl MVPs. They’re cheap, easy, and loaded with fiber and protein. Black beans bring that firm texture and earthy flavor. They’re great if you’ve got bold toppings and want a solid base.

Pinto beans? A little softer, nuttier, and creamier. They’re perfect when you want something cozy and rich. Can’t decide? Mix ‘em. Trust me, nobody’s judging.

👉 Want the full lowdown? Check out our bean battle to see which one fits your vibe.

Crowd Favorite: Spicy Chickpeas

Don’t sleep on chickpeas. Roast them with some spice, and they become crispy little flavor bombs. They’re awesome if you’re going for crunch, heat, and a little plant-based drama in your bowl.

They’re especially good next to creamy things like avocado or lime crema. And bonus you can snack on them while you build your bowl.

👉 Want the easy recipe? Here’s our favorite spicy chickpea method.

Fast & Flavorful: Pulled Chicken

If you’ve got some chicken in the fridge and 20 minutes to spare, pulled chicken is your move. Quick to cook, easy to season, and way more exciting than plain grilled breast. Add some lime, taco spices, and let it soak in those flavors.

It’s one of those toppings that makes your bowl feel like a full-on meal.

👉 Make it in one pan with our quick pulled chicken guide.

Lean & Tasty: Ground Turkey Taco Meat

Ground turkey doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but with the right seasoning, it’s seriously good. It gives you that taco meat vibe without being too heavy. Add cumin, garlic, paprika, and a splash of lime, and boom flavorful, fast, and filling.

It’s also great for feeding a crowd or doing a big meal prep session.

👉 Wanna try it? Get our ground turkey taco version here.

Totally Vegan, Totally Yum: Black Bean Crumbles

Craving that crumbly taco meat texture but want to keep it plant-based? Say hello to black bean crumbles. They’re mashed, seasoned, pan-crisped, and totally satisfying.

They’re like the underdog of taco bowl toppings, but once you try them, you’ll be making them on repeat.

👉 Here’s how to DIY your black bean crumbles.

How to Pick Your Perfect Protein

Ask yourself a few questions:

• Feeling spicy or chill?
• Want something soft or something with a little crunch?
• Going all plant-based or mixing it up?

You can totally mix proteins too. Black beans and pulled chicken? Great combo. Chickpeas and crumbles? Yep. The goal is to layer flavor and texture so every bite hits.

Final Thoughts

Protein is the glue that holds your taco bowl together. And when you’ve got options like these, you’ll never get stuck in a bland bowl routine again.

Whether you’re into smoky, spicy, meaty, or crunchy, there’s a perfect topping for your mood. So grab your beans, fire up a skillet, and make your bowl the star of the show.

Frequently Asked Questions