Vegetarian Taco Mince

Satisfy your taco cravings with this hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Taco Mince—a plant-based twist on a classic favorite! Packed with protein-rich brown lentils, vibrant vegetables, and warm, smoky spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors in just 35 minutes. A splash of soy sauce and tomato paste adds depth, while sweet corn kernels and optional fresh cilantro bring a pop of freshness. Perfect for taco shells, burrito wraps, or rice bowls, this versatile, easy-to-make taco filling is not only vegan-friendly but also customizable for gluten-free diets with tamari. Whether you're planning taco night or seeking a quick and nutritious meal, this vegetarian taco mince is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.25 cup water or vegetable stock
• 0.5 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 4

Sprinkle the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground coriander over the vegetables. Stir well to coat them in the spices and let cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the cooked brown lentils to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.

Step 6

Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari), tomato paste, and water or vegetable stock. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Add the frozen corn kernels and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the corn is heated through.

Step 8

Season the taco mince with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 9

If using, stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.

Step 10

Serve the vegetarian taco mince in taco shells, over rice, or in your favorite tortilla wraps. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(729.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	744.5

Total Fat 31.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2497.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.0g	0%
Total Sugars 25.9g
Protein 29.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 142.4mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 2134.8mg	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: 36.6%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 48.5%