Cheesy Lentil Tacos
Crispy bean & cheese tacos are one of my favorite ways to eat more legumes during the week. These cheesy lentil tacos are loaded with fiber, plant-based protein and so much flavor, and are a delicious way to eat more veggies.
The lentils are cooked with sauteed peppers, onions and spices, stuffed into mini tortillas with shredded cheese, then baked until crisp. I love to top them with fresh cilantro, greek yogurt and jalapenos for even more flavor.
Canned beans are a pantry staple of mine to have on hand as an easy protein source. I love to buy canned brown lentils for this recipe, or the steamed lentils from Trader Joes that they sell in their refrigerated section by the produce.
Lentils are delicious in tacos, salads, or made into veggie burgers.
Here are a few ways I love to serve brown lentils-
What you’ll need for these cheesy lentil tacos
- Choose your favorite tortillas– I used mini flour tortillas
- Canned or pre-steamed brown lentils
- Chopped veggies– I used peppers & onion
- A spice blend made of paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt & pepper. To save some time, you can use your favorite taco seasoning blend in place of all of the spices
- Shredded cheese– I love using mozzarella or cheddar in this recipe
- Olive oil
- Your choice of toppings: jalapeno, cilantro, hot sauce, pickled onions and greek yogurt are my go-to!
- Start by sauteeing the veggies in olive oil until they’re soft, then adding in the lentils and spices
- Cook the lentil mixture for about 5-7 minutes, then taste and adjust salt
- Next, assemble the tacos by spreading the lentil mixture onto half of the tortilla with shredded cheese, and folding it over
- Layer the tacos onto a baking pan and spray with cooking spray
- Bake the tacos for 15-20 minutes until crisp
These tacos are easy to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect healthy dinner to make this week. You can tag me on Instagram if you try them!
More vegetarian recipes to try:
Harissa Tofu Bowls with Turmeric Rice
Black Bean Burritos
Crispy Walnut Lentil Tacos
Cheesy Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
- 10-12 small tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups cooked brown lentils. I buy mine canned or pre-steamed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Cilantro and jalapenos to top
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F
- Heat a large pan on medium heat and coat the bottom in about 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and peppers and cook on medium heat until soft, for about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the lentils and spices, and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Layer your mini tortillas with some of the lentil mixture topped with shredded cheese, then fold them over. Place them onto a large baking sheet. Repeat with remaining filling.
- Lightly spray the folded tortillas with cooking spray or a brush with olive oil.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until crisp, then broil for a minute at the end to brown.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapenos and serve with hot sauce and your favorite toppings
Ratings and Reviews
write a review