Vegetarian Lentil Tacos are a perfectly healthy and incredibly tasty taco recipe that will even impress meat lovers! They’re deliciously flavorful, unbelievably easy to make (the slow cooker does most of the work) and they make great left overs.

Vegetarian Lentil Tacos for Meatless Monday

Do you do Meatless Monday? I’m not the type to be organized and plan ahead so I don’t do specifically “meatless Monday” but I try to eat more vegetarian recipes, especially for breakfast and lunch. And lately I’m trying to do a few more meatless recipes for dinner for my family.

This a meatless recipe my whole family can agree on, even my husband (who’s crazy about meat) loves these! And you can’t beat the quick prep time of this recipe. Plus you’ll be glad you’ll likely have leftovers for lunch the next day.

You can finish these easy tacos off with any toppings you like, then if you are making them vegan use vegan cheese or omit it.

What Ingredients Do I Need for Lentil Tacos?

  • Green lentils
  • Vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • Olive oil
  • Veggies – yellow onion, garlic, cilantro
  • Spices – cumin, chili powder, ancho chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), salt and pepper
  • Lime
  • Tortillas and desired toppings, for serving

So What are Lentils?

  • Lentils are a small round legume that are grown in pods, about two seeds per each.
  • They’re a good source of protein and fiber which makes them nice and filling and have hardly any fat.
  • You’ll find them in several colors including red, yellow, green, brown and black.
  • They’re very affordable and a much cheaper alternative to meat.
  • They have long shelf life (usually several years) and don’t require refrigeration (until cooked of course).
  • Once cooked they’ll freeze them for several months.
  • Lentils make a great vegan substitute for meat in many dishes.

I actually love lentils and always keep some on hand now. I’d never even tried them until just a few years ago but now I love finding new ways to cook with them, these tacos are one of my favorite ways to use them.

How do You Make Lentil Tacos?

Lentil tacos can also be made on the stove top but I love these no fuss slow cooker method.

No tending to it just dump in a slow cooker and cook 3 – 4 hours on high or 7 – 8 hours on low. Serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings, easy breeze and so good!

What’s the Best Way to Warm Tortillas?

I always like to cook corn tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle either brushed with olive oil. Heat on medium-high until light golden brown spots appear on bottom then flip and cook opposite side until golden brown.

When I’m short on time I also love these with crispy corn taco shells. No cooking required. I like the way the crunch pairs with the soft filling.

What Else Can I Use This Filling For?

This filling would also be good for nachos, tostadas, enchiladas or taco salad. Or freeze half for tacos the next week.

More Delicious Lentil Recipes to Try!

  • Italian Vegetable Lentil Soup
  • Asian Lentil Lettuce Wraps
  • Mexican Lentil Soup
  • Moroccan Lentil Sweet Potato Soup

4.89 from 9 votes Review Recipe

Vegetarian Lentil Tacos (Slow Cooker)

Healthy, hearty taco filling that couldn’t be easier to make! It’s the perfect meatless dinner the whole family will love! Recipe makes about 4 1/3 cups.

Servings: 9

Prep10 minutesCook3 hours 30 minutesReady in: 3 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients1 1/2 cups green lentils, picked over and rinsed3 cups vegetable broth1 (10 oz) can mild diced tomatoes and green chiles1 Tbsp olive oil1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion2 tsp minced garlic2 tsp ground cumin1 1/2 tsp chili powder1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder1 tsp paprikaSalt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro1 Tbsp fresh lime juiceFor servingCorn tortillas or crisp taco shells, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes (for serving)

InstructionsAdd lentils, broth, olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powders, and paprika to a 5 - 6 quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on high 3 - 4 hours on high or on low 7 - 8 hours. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve warm into warmed tortillas with toppings.

Notes For a little heat add in some chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste. Nutrition listed is for filling only.

Nutrition Facts Vegetarian Lentil Tacos (Slow Cooker)

	Amount Per Serving

Calories 145 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%Sodium 332mg14%Potassium 406mg12%Carbohydrates 23g8%Fiber 10g42%Sugar 2g2%Protein 8g16% Vitamin A 590IU12%Vitamin C 5.7mg7%Calcium 36mg4%Iron 3.2mg18% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Tex-MexKeyword: Lentil Tacos, Vegetarian Tacos Author: Jaclyn

4.89 from 9 votes

Review Recipe

Nutrition Facts Vegetarian Lentil Tacos (Slow Cooker)

	Amount Per Serving

Calories 145 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%Sodium 332mg14%Potassium 406mg12%Carbohydrates 23g8%Fiber 10g42%Sugar 2g2%Protein 8g16% Vitamin A 590IU12%Vitamin C 5.7mg7%Calcium 36mg4%Iron 3.2mg18% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Nutrition Facts

Vegetarian Lentil Tacos (Slow Cooker)

	Amount Per Serving

Calories 145 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%

Sodium 332mg14%

Potassium 406mg12%

Carbohydrates 23g8%

Fiber 10g42%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 590IU12%

Vitamin C 5.7mg7%

Calcium 36mg4%

Iron 3.2mg18%

  • Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Tex-MexKeyword: Lentil Tacos, Vegetarian Tacos

Author: Jaclyn