Vegan Taco Mince

Transform your taco nights with this hearty and flavorful Vegan Taco Mince, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Featuring protein-packed brown lentils and crunchy walnuts, this recipe delivers a satisfying, meat-like texture while staying completely vegan and gluten-free-friendly (with tamari). Aromatic spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder infuse each bite with bold, smoky flavors, while a touch of soy sauce adds savory depth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy taco filling is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or over a fresh salad, and finish with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty, vibrant kick. Healthy, simple, and incredibly versatile, this Vegan Taco Mince will become a must-have in your plant-based recipe rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups cooked brown lentils
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh cilantro
• 1 whole, for serving (optional) lime wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until they are coarsely ground, resembling the texture of minced meat. Be careful not to over-process into a paste.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 3

Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the cooked lentils, ground walnuts, soy sauce or tamari, and water or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the taco mince is slightly browned and warmed through.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, spices, or soy sauce to preference.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Serve warm in tacos, burritos, or atop salads, accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(692.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1390.1

Total Fat 94.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 58.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2821.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 103.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.9g	0%
Total Sugars 18.0g
Protein 50.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 275.0mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 2420.6mg	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: 57.9%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 28.2%