Lentil Taco Meat

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5 from 3 votes

This easy-to-prep, flavor-packed Lentil Taco Meat is made with wholesome plant-based ingredients for the perfect hearty ground beef alternative. Loaded with smoky, savory flavor, it is the perfect addition to your favorite Mexican dishes, from tacos and nachos to salads and burritos!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings:

Author: Jenné Claiborne

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup walnuts finely chopped
2 cups cooked lentils use cooked green, brown, or black lentils. Do not use red lentils
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1/2-1 canned chipotle pepper minced
2 tsp adobo sauce from the can of chipotle peppers
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Add the chopped walnuts and stir well. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring periodically, or until fragrant.
Add the lentils, tomatoes, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until thickened and fragrant. Season to taste with salt if desired.

Notes

Storage Directions

Refrigeration: Allow the lentil meat to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: Divide cooled lentil meat into meal-sized portions before freezing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting in the microwave before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated meat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore the moisture until heated.

Recipe Pro-Tips

Pre-cook lentils al dente. To ensure the lentils have the perfect texture, cook them al dente or until firm. Avoid overcooking the lentils to prevent them from becoming mushy and compromising the texture of the taco meat. Canned lentils work well too. Just be sure to drain the liquid before adding to the pan (no need to rinse).
Use fresh spices. Ensure the ground cumin and oregano are within their expiration for the best lentil taco meat flavor.
Adjust seasonings to taste. Start with ½ a chipotle pepper and add more to taste, as they can be quite spicy. Add more salt or spice as needed to suit your taste.
Let the mixture simmer. Allow the meat mixture to simmer for the full 10 minutes. This helps thicken the mixture and allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and flavorful taco meat.

Nutrition