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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 That 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!
Made with hearty, inexpensive lentils that are seasoned just like classic taco meat, these tacos are not only inexpensive and loaded with fiber and plant-based protein, but they have an incredible hearty texture as well.
Topped with crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado, these vegetarian lentil tacos are filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
How to Prepare Lentil Tacos
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
1. Prepare Lentils. This base for lentil tacos come together super quickly. It is simple as simmering the brown or green lentils in vegetable broth broth, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning, until the lentils are tender.
2. Assemble Lentil Tacos. Seve the cooked lentils on warmed tortillas, with any taco toppings you like, such as mashed avocado, shredded cabbage, 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.
Additional Serving Suggestions
While the taco-seasoned lentils are an obvious choice for lentil tacos, you can serve lentil taco meat in endless ways.
- Instead of a tortillas, use a Baked Sweet Potato for the serving vessel of the seasoned lentils. Add toppings of choice.
- Replace taco meat in a Taco Salad or a Taco Pizza with these seasoned lentils.
- Replace the beans in Vegetarian Enchiladas with lentil tacos.
More Meatless Tex-Mex Favorites
- Black Bean Tacos
- Mexican Quinoa Salad
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos
- Crispy Potato Tacos
- Easy Bean Burritos
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
- Easy Bean Burritos
Easy Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth, or water
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Homemade Taco Seasoning, or store-bought taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage
- 1 large lime, divided
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, used in two steps
- 1 large Hass avocado
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, used in two steps
- 6 large flour tortillas
- tomato, cilantro, onions, cheese, sour cream, etc. , for serving
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, 2 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 8 ounces tomato sauce, and 1 tablespoon Homemade Taco Seasoning in a large stock pan. Bring the mixture to a boil 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.
- For the Seasoned Cabbage: While the lentils are cooking, combine 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage with the juice of half 1 large lime and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in a large mixing bowl.
- For the Seasoned Avocado: In a small bowl, mash the flesh of 1 large Hass avocado with the remaining half of the juice of the 1 large lime and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
- To assemble the lentil tacos, Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over high heat for 30-60 seconds per side, until warm and pliable. Once warmed, place a layer of cabbage on each tortilla, top with lentil mixture, and drizzle or dollop the avocado cream over the lentils. Add any additional toppings if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published in 2018 but was updated in 2023.
I never thought to make lentil tacos but they were delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Which variety of lentils would you recommend for this recipe?
Green or brown work best for this recipe.
Could this be done in an instant pot?
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!
I love lentils and never thought of making tacos, I have to try this. I also love that Mission now makes organic.
Tacos are a great way to use lentils for sure. They are always a family winner!
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
I do love these tortillas! And you will LOVE that crema!
We are taco lovers....and these look awesome. Avocados are so delicious and nutritious. Perfect for a fun family meal.
Thanks Gloria.
Good idea to replace the meat by lentils, must taste great!
Thanks Patty---these really do taste great.