I am obsessed with anything spicy, nachos, crunchy, salty, potatoey {I know that’s not a word but it just fit}. Let me live! Usually once a week or definitely a few times a month I make homemade vegan tacos either for lunch or dinner & they’re always a hit! I’m talking about using beef less beef and non dairy cheese and all plant-based options to smother crispy taco shells in or wrap in soft tortillas & the non vegan eaters of my family go NUTS!
So this time I decided to try another route. I’m always seeing lentils used as a meat replacement & thought that would be a perfect substitute for my tacos or nachos, because yes I do eat both in one sitting! Like I said it’s a slight obsession & I can’t stop eating it until it’s all gone.
I had picked up some precooked and packaged steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s that was just sitting in my refrigerator. To be honest I didn’t know what I would use it for, but I knew something great would come to mind. It sure did! Having the already cooked lentils was definitely a time saver to not have to stand over the stove or soak the lentils beforehand.
In a large heated skillet on medium heat, add in the grape seed oil, minced shallots, garlic & chopped peppers. Saute for 5 minutes.
Next, add the tomatoes, cooked lentils & spices. Saute another 5 minutes, until spices are thoroughly combined with the lentil mixture.
Once finished cooking layer and assemble your tacos or nachos however you like. Enjoy!
If you are looking for another Lentil “Meat” substitute you could try my Vegan Almost Mediterranean Lentil Tacos.

Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 10 minutes |
Servings |
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- 1 tablespoon Grape Seed Oil
- 2 tablespoons Garlic minced
- 1 Shallot minced
- 2 cups Lentils cooked
- 1 Red/Yellow/Orange Bell Peppers chopped
- ½ cup Grape Tomatoes diced
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 8 Tortillas or Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
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- I already had some steamed lentils that were cooked and packaged from Trader Joe’s. It was definitely a time saver to not have to cook or soak the lentils beforehand
- Add grape seed oil, minced shallots, garlic & chopped peppers to a large skillet on medium heat. Saute another 5 minutes.
- Add in tomatoes, cooked lentils & spices. Saute another 5 minutes, until spices are thoroughly combined with the lentil mixture.
- Once finished cooking layer and assemble your tacos or nachos however you like. Enjoy!
Did you attempt this recipe? Please let me know how you liked it {or not} by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #mamawentveganrecipes or @mamawentvegan. I love to hear your feedback and see your creations!