Description
This Lentil Taco Meat recipe offers a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional taco fillings using cooked brown lentils and cauliflower rice. Infused with warm spices and simmered in a tangy tomato and vegan Worcestershire sauce blend, this savory dish delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in just 15 minutes, perfect for tacos, wraps, or bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 1/4 cup Cooked Brown Lentils (equivalent to one 15 oz can, rinsed and drained)
- 1 1/4 cup Cauliflower Rice (fresh or frozen)
Oils & Sauces
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 3–4 tablespoons Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (or 1 tablespoon Tamari Sauce)
- 1/2 cup Tomato Paste
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
Liquids
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Broth
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté the onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and stir fry until fragrant and slightly translucent, about 1 minute.
- Add lentils and cauliflower rice: Stir in the cooked, drained brown lentils along with the cauliflower rice. Continue stir frying for another 1 minute to combine and warm the mixture.
- Incorporate spices: Add cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the lentils and cauliflower rice with the spices.
- Add tomato paste, broth, and sauces: Pour in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, and vegan Worcestershire sauce (or tamari). Stir well to blend all ingredients together.
- Simmer to thicken: Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will thicken the sauce nicely. For a smoother, less thick sauce, simmer for only 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the lentil taco meat hot, ideally in vegan, gluten-free flatbread or your preferred taco shells. Use as a flavorful filling alongside your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
- You can make your own cauliflower rice by pulsing fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized.
- Adjust the Worcestershire or tamari sauce to your taste preference for more depth or saltiness.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free when served with appropriate flatbread or taco shells.
- For thicker taco meat, simmer longer to reduce liquid; for moister filling, reduce simmer time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: lentil taco meat, vegan taco filling, plant-based taco, gluten free tacos, cauliflower rice, vegan lentil recipe
