Made in under 30 minutes, using simple, affordable ingredients, Lentil Tacos are a hearty vegetarian version of tacos that everyone loves!
Looking for more recipes starring lentils? Try my recipes for Instant Pot Lentil Soup, Lentil Chili, Lentil Sloppy Joes, and Lentil Meatballs.
![Lentil Tacos Lentil Soft Taco with Cabbage and Avocado Cream on wooden cutting board.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Vegan-Soft-Tacos.jpg)
Lentil Tacos Satisfy Everyone
When you find yourself looking for a vegan-friendly dinner recipe or a healthy vegetarian recipe that appeals to both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, look no further than this recipe for Lentil Tacos!
Lentils are a sort of magical thing when it comes to meatless meals. These legumes have a similar texture to ground meat, are cheap, easy to find, easy to cook, and take on any flavor really well, making them the perfect base for tacos. Topped with crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado, these vegetarian lentil tacos have it all!
Notes on Key Ingredients
![Vegan Lentil Taco Recipe Ingredients for lentil taco meat labled on counter.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Lentil-Taco-Meat.jpg)
- Lentils: Be sure to use brown or green lentils, not red or yellow lentils, as they will break down too much when cooked.
- Taco Seasoning: I use my homemade taco seasoning, to control the additives and sodium content, but any brand of taco seasoning will work.
- Tomato Sauce: I love using tomato sauce to give the lentils a nice saucy consistency, just like classic taco meat.
- Vegetable Broth: If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use chicken stock (no longer vegetarian-friendly) or water. If using just water, you may want to increase your taco seasoning by an additional 1-2 teaspoons to really flavor the lentils.
- Avocado Sauce: The avocado sauce is made with avocado, lime juice, and salt. It is simple, yet so flavorful and the perfect finishing touch.
- Cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds crunch and freshness to these meatless tacos. You certainly don't have to add it to your Lentil Tacos, but I highly recommend it for the best contrast in texture.
- Tortillas: Use any tortillas you like. Corn, hard-shell, gluten-free, or homemade flour tortillas.
How to Prepare Lentil Tacos
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Prepare Lentil Taco Meat
This base for lentil tacos come together super quickly. It is simple as simmering broth, tomato sauce, taco seasoning and dried lentils together until the lentils are tender.
![Vegan Lentil Taco Meat Cooked Lentil Taco Meat in saucepan next to taco toppings.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Vegan-Lentil-Tacos.jpg)
Prepare Toppings
While the lentils are simmering, use that time to prepare the avocado sauce, slicing the cabbage, and toast the tortillas so that everything comes together at once.
Assemble Lentil Tacos
I highly recommend serving lentil taco meat on warm tortillas, with an avocado lime sauce, that adds richness and bright acidity, and shredded cabbage for crunch. If desired, add diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and/or pickled red onions. And if not vegan or dairy-free, these vegetarian tacos are delicious served with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
![Lentil Taco Meat Recipe 3 lentil tacos topped with avocado cream on wooden cutting board.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Easy-Lentil-Tacos.jpg)
Additional Serving Suggestions
While lentil taco meat is delicious used for tacos, you can serve lentil taco meat in endless ways.
- Instead of a tortillas, use a Baked Sweet Potato for the serving vessel of lentil taco meat and avocado sauce.
- Replace taco meat in a Taco Salad or a Taco Pizza with these seasoned lentils.
- Replace the beans in Vegetarian Enchiladas with lentil tacos.
- Serve in burritos for a packable lunch or dinner on the go.
Recipe Modifications
- Add onions and garlic. If you are looking to add in a bit more flavor, and don't have picky eaters that are opposed to minced onions in a recipe, start this recipe for lentil taco meat by sauteing 1 minced onion and 2 cloves of garlic in 2 teaspoons of oil before cooking the lentils. Once the onion and garlic are softened, add in the lentils, taco seasoning, broth, and tomato sauce and simmer.
- Use salsa. Another way to add some more dimension to this simple recipe for Lentil Taco Meat is to use jarred salsa in place of the tomato sauce. I find that when serving kids, using just the seasoning and smooth tomato sauce is best for their pickier palates.
More Meatless Tex-Mex Favorites
- Black Bean Tacos
- Mexican Quinoa Salad
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
- Easy Bean Burritos
![Lentil Taco meat on tortilla topped with avocado and cabbage.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Lentil-Taco-Recipe-360x360.jpg)
Easy Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
For Lentil Taco Meat
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning see notes for individual spices
For Avocado Sauce
- 1 large avocado
- 2 limes divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 tomato optional
- ¼ cup cilantro optional
- 6 tortillas
Instructions
- Bring broth, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and lentils to a boil in a large stock pan over medium-high heat. Once the mixture is boiling, cover and turn the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the lentils with a fork and taste to adjust the seasoning.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the cabbage and avocado sauce and toast the tortillas. Thinly slice the cabbage and drizzle with the juice of half of a lime and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat. Prepare the avocado sauce, by mashing or pureeing the flesh of an avocado with the remaining fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over high heat for 30-60 seconds per side, until warm and pliable.
- To assemble the lentil tacos, place a layer of cabbage on each tortilla, top with lentil mixture, and drizzle or dollop the avocado cream over the lentils. Add cilantro, tomatoes, etc if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2018 but was updated in 2023.
Jo
We had fun with these tasty tacos! They were incredibly delicious and filling. New favorite!
Olivia
Thanks for this delicious recipe! These were so easy to make and my family really enjoyed them!
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Olivia!
Gary T
Brilliant! These are so healthy, yummy and most importantly- so easy!
Nellie Tracy
Great taco recipe! Can't tell there isn't any meat
Sam
I never thought to make lentil tacos but they were delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Kathy K.
Which variety of lentils would you recommend for this recipe?
Kristen Chidsey
Green or brown work best for this recipe.
Charles Less
Could this be done in an instant pot?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Charles! To make in the instant pot, I would use 1.5 cups of lentils to 3 cups broth and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Top with 8 ounces of tomato sauce--don't mix in. Cook for 9 minutes on high pressure with 10 minute natural pressure release. (You can cut this recipe in half as well to make a smaller batch) Enjoy!
Janette@CulinaryGinger.com
I love lentils and never thought of making tacos, I have to try this. I also love that Mission now makes organic.
Kristen Chidsey
Tacos are a great way to use lentils for sure. They are always a family winner!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
We love Mission Organic Tortillas too! I don't think we've ever bought any other kind at home... I just went through a fajita night recently, but the next time I'm trying this gorgeous avocado crema! <3
Kristen Chidsey
I do love these tortillas! And you will LOVE that crema!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
We are taco lovers....and these look awesome. Avocados are so delicious and nutritious. Perfect for a fun family meal.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Gloria.
Patty
Good idea to replace the meat by lentils, must taste great!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Patty---these really do taste great.