Lentil Taco Meat (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Lentil Taco Meat is a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meatless option for tacos, burritos, bowls, and so much more. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. And they're ready in no time! This recipe is whole-food plant-based (WFPB), gluten-free, and soy-free.

three lentil tacos with guacamole, vegan cheese, and tomatoes.

We're really enjoying this lentil taco meat lately. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE this Soy Curl Taco Meat when I have soy curls on hand, but it's also nice to switch things up. Lentils are an affordable, nutritious way to do that.

If you have an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, you'll love how easy this recipe is. It's a dump-and-start recipe, for sure.

And preparing the lentils on the stovetop is pretty darn easy, too!

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Ingredient Notes
How To Make Lentil Taco Meat
Ways to Use Lentil Taco Meat
FAQs
Recommended Pairings
Recipe
💬 Comments

Ingredient Notes

Labeled photo of ingredients needed to make lentil taco meat.

Lentils - feel free to use brown, green or black lentils for this recipe. Avoid red or yellow lentils since they don't hold their shape.
Onion - any variety you have on hand will do.
Garlic - 2 large cloves gives the lentils great flavor without being too garlicky. Garlic powder also works if that's what you have on hand. About ¾ teaspoon is perfect.
Jalapeño - with the seeds removed jalapeños don't add much spicy heat, but feel free to omit the pepper if you're not a fan. Or if you LOVE jalapeño, use two!
Chili powder - this refers to the blend commonly found in grocery stores, not a specific chili pepper.
Walnuts, optional (not pictured) - for slightly richer and more filling lentil taco meat I like to add ground walnuts, but if you avoid nuts or need a very low fat dish, feel free to omit. For a nut-free addition sunflower seeds are a great option.

How To Make Lentil Taco Meat

There are two easy ways to cook this lentil taco meat.

In an Instant Pot:

Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot and stir. Lock on the lid, set to sealing, and cook at high pressure for 8 to 9 minutes.
If including ground walnuts, pulse them in a food processor while the lentils are cooking.
Quick release the pressure, and carefully remove the lid. Strain away any excess liquid left in the pot (there shouldn't be much). Stir in the ground walnuts. Let stand for a few minutes, and serve.

On the stovetop:

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Sauté the onion and jalapeño for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and spices, and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
Add the lentils, water, and salt, and bring to boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.
While the lentils cook, process walnuts into a finely ground texture (if using). Once the lentils are done, strain away excess liquid. Stir in the ground walnuts, and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

lentils seasoned with onion, jalapeño, and taco seasoning in a sauce pan.

Ways to Use Lentil Taco Meat

I'm perfectly happy with a simple taco bowl of rice and lentil taco meat with fresh toppings like lettuce, lime, and pico de gallo or salsa. Some crumbled Vegan Queso Fresco on top is also nice!

But of course lentil meat is great for so many other dishes, too, like my Vegan Enchilada Casserole. And tacos, obviously!

You can also add lentil taco meat to pizzas, flatbreads, and salads.

Spread a layer of lentils inside these Oil-Free Quesadillas. Also pile them on your Vegan Nachos, and tuck them inside these Easy Vegan Taquitos.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked lentils?

Definitely. Follow the stovetop instructions and skip the water. Add the lentils when adding the spices, and cook until the lentils are heated through. If the lentils are already salted be sure to reduce or omit the salt, to taste.

How long does it keep?

Store leftover lentils in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze lentil taco meat?

Yes. Once it's completely cool, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described above.

three lentil tacos on a large baking sheet.

I hope you enjoy this healthy lentil taco meat. If you try the recipe comment below to let everyone know. Hearing from you makes my day, and your feedback helps others find recipes they'll love!

Recommended Pairings

Recipe

close up of lentil tacos dressed with guacamole and cheese.

Lentil Taco Meat (Stovetop or Instant Pot)

Author: Lori Rasmussen, My Quiet Kitchen

Healthy, delcious, and satisfying lentil taco meat is easy to make in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, and nachos!

4.86 from 7 votes

Servings: servings

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

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Equipment

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
1 large jalapeno, stem and seeds removed, diced - Include the seeds if you like it spicy.
2 cloves garlic, minced - Or a scant ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup dry brown lentils, sorted, rinsed and drained - Sub green lentils, if desired.
2 ¼ cups water for Instant Pot or 3 ¼ cups water for stovetop method
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup raw walnut halves, optional - Omit or sub ⅓ cup raw sunflower seeds for nut-free option.

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions:

Combine all ingredients EXCEPT walnuts in a 6 quart Instant Pot. Lock on the lid, set to sealing, and cook at high pressure for 8 minutes. The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
If including the walnuts, while the lentils cook, pulse walnuts in a food processor until the texture of crumbs. Set aside.
When the Instant Pot beeps at the end of the 8 minutes, carefully quick release the pressure. Once it's safe to do so, remove the lid. Strain away any excess liquid left in the pot (there shouldn't be much). Stir in the ground walnuts. Let stand for a few minutes, and serve.

Stovetop Instructions:

Preheat a soup pot or large saute pan over medium heat. Saute the onion and jalapeño for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and spices, and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Add the lentils, 3 ¼ cups water, and salt, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered until tender, about 20 minutes.
If including the walnuts, while the lentils cook pulse walnuts in a food processor until the texture of crumbs. Set aside.
When the lentils are done, strain away excess liquid. Stir in the ground walnuts, and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serving

See post above for serving suggestions. This lentil taco meat is a versatile addition to so many dishes. Pair with your favorite toppings like lettuce, pico de gallo, salsa, vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, guacamole, creamy dressings and sauces, and cilantro.

Storage and Freezing

Store lentil taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Lentil taco meat is freezer-friendly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

*Nutrition estimate includes the optional walnuts.