Recipe by Krissi Vandenberg
Bold, Budget Friendly Lentil Tacos That Deliver Big Flavor With Minimal Effort at Home
These lentil tacos are proof that simple ingredients can turn into something seriously crave worthy. Hearty lentils soak up warm spices, garlic, and onion to create a filling that is rich, savory, and perfectly textured for tacos.
They are quick to make, easy to customize, and ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Whether you load them up with classic toppings or keep things simple, these tacos hit that comfort food sweet spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty lentil filling that is satisfying and protein rich
- Pantry friendly ingredients with big taco night flavor
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Great for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd
Easy and Delicious Lentil Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 tacos 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A Hearty, Flavor Packed Taco Filling That Comes Together Fast
These easy lentil tacos are packed with warm spices, garlic, and onion for a bold, satisfying plant based taco filling that works with all your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the lentil filling:
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2 cups cooked lentils (from 1 cup dry) or 2 cans lentils, drained
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1 white onion, finely diced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 packet taco seasoning or homemade spice mix
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Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
Spice mix:
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings:
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Shredded lettuce
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Pickled jalapeños
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Salsa
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Plant based cheese
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Plant based sour cream
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent.
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Add the garlic and spice mixture and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the spices.
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Add the lentils and stir to combine. Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash some of the lentils for texture. Cook until heated through. Add a tablespoon or two of water or salsa if the mixture becomes too dry.
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Warm tortillas using the oven, stovetop, or microwave.
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Spoon lentil filling into tortillas and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Turn leftovers into taco bowls with rice or greens.
Use the filling for burritos, nachos, or stuffed peppers.
Nutrition info is approximate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex Mex Inspired, Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per taco
- Calories: 210kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: .7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
