Speedy Meatless Taco Filling

Whip up a quick and delicious taco night with this Speedy Meatless Taco Filling, a flavorful plant-based option that’s packed with protein and ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe combines hearty black beans, tender lentils, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder for a smoky, savory filling that will tantalize your taste buds. Lightly mashed for a perfect blend of textures, this taco filling is simmered with a touch of tomato paste and vegetable broth to create a rich and satisfying mixture. Serve it warm in taco shells or tortillas and customize with your favorite toppings—think fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or tangy salsa—for a vibrant and wholesome meal that’s ideal for meatless Mondays or any busy weeknight.

Nutriscore Rating: 90/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup water or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the black beans and lentils to the skillet. Use a fork or a potato masher to lightly mash them, leaving some whole for texture.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beans and lentils evenly in the spices.

Step 6

Pour in the water or vegetable broth and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a kick of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.

Step 8

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm in taco shells or tortillas, and top with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, or salsa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(860.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	840.7

Total Fat 17.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1497.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.7g	0%
Total Sugars 13.8g
Protein 46.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 276.4mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 2365.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.1%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 60.3%