Meet Alex Caspero
Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Plant-Based Chef and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.
Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Tacos! A healthy plant-based dinner, ready in just 30 minutes.
We’re having tacos, again. If you looked at my menu each week you’d see two staples: tacos and pasta. Two foods that I know everyone in my family will like and both easy enough to whip up on even the craziest weeknight. These Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Tacos have been on repeat every week for the past few months. Taking my well-loved lentil tacos and making them in the Instant Pot. I throw all the ingredients in, quickly chop the topping and ta-da– dinner is on the table in less than 30 minutes.
If you are looking for a speedy weeknight dinner, you’re going to want to save this recipe.
I consider this a dump meal– throw everything into the Instant Pot, seal and cook for 16 minutes and that’s it. To make these vegan lentil tacos in the Instant Pot, you’ll simply add the lentils, broth, salsa and spices then cook until tender. Couldn’t be easier! A blend of spices using cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder is called for here, but prepared taco seasoning will also work.
I usually have a batch of my homemade seasoning in the pantry or Penzey’s taco seasoning that works great here too. Typically, I’ll do 2 tablespoons of prepared taco seasoning here, and then add less salt.
You’ll need to use either brown lentils or whole green lentils for this recipe. Red lentils and split lentils won’t work as they loose their shape while cooking and you’ll end up with taco mush. You can typically find brown or whole green lentils in most grocery stores near the canned bean or soup aisle.
I find that brown lentils work best, but you can also substitute black lentils and French green lentils instead. They won’t get as soft as brown lentils but will still work well in this Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Taco recipe.
If you like these lentil tacos made in the Instant Pot, you’ll love these taco recipes:
Vegan Lentil Tacos
10 Minute Black Bean Tacos
Vegan Fish Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Lentil Walnut Tacos
Tofu Tacos with Mango Salsa
Korean Inspired Tofu Tacos
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PrintInstant Pot Vegan Lentil Tacos! If you like my lentil tacos, then you’ll love this version made in the Instant Pot. A healthy dinner, ready in just 30 minutes.
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(14 comments) leave a comment
I found this recipe over the summer and have literally made it every single week since! We always have leftovers so we basically eat this 2-3 days a week and still love it. My favorite way to eat it is on toasted corn tortillas with salsa and avocado. I also love the lentils in a wrap, with rice, in a salad or just on their own. It’s so easy to make and just so delicious!!
★★★★★
It takes seconds to make this and we all love it, especially when I just use 2 tbsp of already made taco seasoning in place of the seasonings. Perfect for a lunch or dinner when I’m pressed on time!
★★★★★
great recipe! Will be adding these consistently to the menu.
★★★★★
Delish!
Hello wondering if you use canned or dried lentils?
Hi Giselle, I used dried lentils here. Canned won’t work as they will be too mushy after cooking BUT if you have canned lentils, then I’d recommend using this recipe: https://www.delishknowledge.com/lentil-tacos/ and sauteeing the onion, adding in the cooked lentils and the spices there to warm through.
I don’t have an instant pot, recommendation for another way of preparing?
Hi Alicia– yes, for that I’d recommend my regular lentil taco recipe to make on the stove top here. https://www.delishknowledge.com/lentil-tacos/
These were the best!! So easy to prepare and they were delish-ous. This has become my go to recipe for lentil tacos!
★★★★★
Thanks, Lynn! We LOVE them too!
could i use red lentils?
I wouldn’t recommend red lentils– you’ll end up with mushy/soup-like taco filling.
SO delicious and easy! Reminds we of refried beans, so an easy sell to the kids! Will definitely make this agai
★★★★★
Love hearing that! Yes, my kiddos aren’t huge fans of lentils but go nuts for this recipe.