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    Home » Recipes » Vegan Grain and Bean Recipes

    Vegan Lentil Tacos

    Published: Mar 1, 2024 · Modified: Mar 30, 2025 by Megan Calipari · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    This Vegan Lentil Tacos recipe is quick, easy, and delicious! The vegan lentil taco meat uses canned lentils and plenty of spices for a flavorful filling that is dairy-free and gluten-free. And it comes together in just 15 minutes!

    Vegan Lentil Taco Meat in a small bowl with a gold spoon in it.

    Tacos are a staple in my house. We have them at least once per week. They are just so easy, fast, and versatile. And, I love to make a batch of Vitamix Salsa or Mango Pico de Gallo and some Sparkling Margaritas to serve with them for the best ever taco night.

    And lately, these Vegan Lentil Tacos have been a favorite. They are quick, delicious, and filling!

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • What to Top the Tacos With
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Expert Recipe Tips
    • Looking for More Recipes to Serve with Tacos?
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, so its perfect for weeknights!
    • These vegan lentil tacos are gluten-free and vegan, so anyone can enjoy them.
    • The lentil filling is super flavorful and full of spices.
    • You only need pantry ingredients to make this recipe.
    • And most importantly, they are absolutely delicious!

    Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients for vegan lentil tacos on a marble surface.

    Canned Lentils: I usually buy Goya canned lentils, but any brand will work. Or you can use green or brown lentils that you cooked yourself!

    Onion and Garlic: These add so much flavor to the lentil taco meat!

    Spices: I use a homemade taco seasoning mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion and garlic powder and cayenne for spice.

    Tortillas: Corn tortillas will keep this recipe gluten-free, but use flour if you prefer. And bonus points if you make Homemade Vegan Tortillas!

    Variations and Substitutions

    You can use 2 tablespoons of any taco seasoning in place of the spices.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Sautéed onion and garlic in a stainless steel skillet.

    Step 1. Heat the olive oil in a large stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Then, add onion and cook until the onions start to brown, 5-7 minutes. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    Lentils, spices and water added to a stainless steel skillet with a wooden spoon to the left.

    Step 2. Next, add drained and rinsed lentils, spices and water into the pan.

    Finished Lentil Taco Meat in a skillet with a wooden spoon off to the left.

    Step 3. And cook until most of the liquid is evaporated- about 2 minutes.

    Vegan Lentil Tacos in a bowl topped with red cabbage slaw and avocado crema.

    Step 4. Warm corn tortillas in the microwave and add the lentil taco meat to tortillas. Finally, top the tacos with your desired toppings.

    What to Top the Tacos With

    • Cilantro Lime Red Cabbage Slaw
    • Avocado Crema
    • Dairy-Free Cheese
    • Chopped Tomato and Onion
    • Corn Salsa

    Recipe FAQs

    How should I store the Lentil Taco Meat?

    To store, scoop the lentil mixture into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    What can I use instead of meat in tacos?

    Lentils, black beans or mushrooms are all great to use instead of meat!

    Expert Recipe Tips

    Mix the spices together before you start cooking. This Vegan Lentil Tacos recipe is really fast, so its nice to have everything ready to go.

    And be sure to drain and rinse the lentils really well!

    Vegan Lentil Tacos topped with red cabbage slaw and avocado crema.

    Looking for More Recipes to Serve with Tacos?

    • Nut free vegan queso in a bowl with a chip in it.
      Vegan Rotel Dip (Nut Free)
    • Two glasses of Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita on a linen cloth with slices on pineapple and jalapeño on the table.
      Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
    • 4 ingredient guacamole without cilantro in a small bowl with a tortilla chip sticking out of it.
      4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
    • Vegan Gluten Free Mexican Rice in a bowl with a spoon in it with ramekins in the background.
      Vegan Mexican Rice (Gluten-Free!)

    If you tried this Vegan Lentil Tacos recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today!

    📖 Recipe

    3 Vegan Lentil Tacos topped with red cabbage slaw and avocado crema in a shallow bowl.

    Vegan Lentil Tacos

    Megan Calipari
    This Vegan Lentil Tacos recipe is quick, easy, and delicious! The vegan lentil taco meat uses canned lentils and plenty of spices for a flavorful taco filling that is dairy-free and gluten-free.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6 Tacos
    Calories 166 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Cutting Board
    • 1 Chefs Knife
    • 1 Skillet
    • 1 Fine Mesh Strainer
    • Measuring Cups and Spoons

    Ingredients
      

    For the Seasoning Mix

    • 2 teaspoon Chili Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
    • ½ teaspoon Cumin
    • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon Salt

    To Make the Lentil Taco Meat

    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
    • 1 Large Clove of Garlic
    • 1 15 Ounce Can of Lentils, drained and rinsed See Note!
    • ⅓ Cup Water

    To Assemble the Tacos

    • 6 Tortillas
    • Taco Toppings of Choice like salsa, chopped tomato, vegan cheese, or shredded lettuce.

    Instructions
     

    Mix the Taco Seasoning

    • In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and salt. Stir to combine and set aside. (See Note!)
      2 teaspoon Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, ½ teaspoon Cumin, ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Onion Powder, ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, ¼ teaspoon Salt

    To Make the Lentil Taco Meat

    • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
      1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 Small Onion, finely chopped, 1 Large Clove of Garlic
    • Add lentils, spice mix and water and stir to combine.
      1 15 Ounce Can of Lentils, drained and rinsed, ⅓ Cup Water
    • Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until most of the water has evaporated.
    • Remove from heat and serve immediately.

    To Make the Tacos

    • Wrap the tortillas in a paper towel and place them on a plate. Heat them in a microwave for about 20 seconds, until warm and pliable.
      6 Tortillas
    • Add the lentil mixture to the tortillas, then top with additional taco toppings of choice.
      Taco Toppings of Choice like salsa, chopped tomato, vegan cheese, or shredded lettuce.

    Notes

    You can cook your own green or brown lentils instead of using canned lentils. Use 1 ⅓ cups cooked lentils.
    Instead of making your own taco seasoning mix, use 2 tablespoons of any store-bought taco mix.
    Use any taco toppings you like, but I recommend my Red Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Crema.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1TacoCalories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 11gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 44mgPotassium: 415mgFiber: 13gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 64IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer Disney

      May 23, 2021 at 8:20 pm

      Quick lentil question. I know there are several different types of dried lentils. I have green ones right now. Would they work? If not, which dried ones are best for this recipe? Thanks so much!

      Jennifer

      Reply
      • Megan Calipari

        May 23, 2021 at 9:01 pm

        Green will work here! Green or brown lentils are both great for this recipe, but not red or yellow as they get mushy when cooked.

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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