Taco night in my house is serious business.
With four kids and a busy schedule, I need meals that are quick, delicious, and filling without requiring me to stand in the kitchen forever.
I’ll be honest—before I started making this One-Pot Lentil Taco Skillet, I thought tacos HAD to include expensive plant-based meat substitutes. But y’all, lentils changed the game for me! Not only are they affordable and packed with protein, but they also soak up all the smoky, spicy taco flavors perfectly.
Now, this one-pot taco filling is a staple in my kitchen because it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and meal-prep friendly. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can serve it in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or even over nachos. 
If you’ve been looking for an easy and flavorful way to upgrade your taco night, this recipe is for you. Let’s get into it!
🥘 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot & Easy Cleanup – No extra dishes, just one pan!
Packed with Protein – Lentils + black beans = a satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable pantry ingredients.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love it!
Perfect for Meal Prep – Makes great leftovers!
🥑 Ingredients You’ll Need
Pantry Staples:
•2 cups dried lentils (green or brown)
•1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
•1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
•1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
•2 ½ cups vegetable broth
•1 tbsp olive oil (or water for oil-free cooking)
•1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
Spices & Seasonings:
•1 tbsp chili powder
•2 tsp cumin
•1 tsp smoked paprika
•1 tsp garlic powder
•1 tsp onion powder
•½ tsp oregano
•½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
•¼ tsp black pepper
•¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
Fresh Ingredients:
•1 small onion, diced
•3 cloves garlic, minced
•1 small bell pepper, diced
•1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
•Juice of 1 lime
•¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
🥘 How to Make This One-Pot Lentil Taco Skillet
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the Lentils & Spices
Stir in the lentils, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Let everything toast for about 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
Simmer Until Tender
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the mixture thickens.
Add Final Touches
Squeeze in fresh lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon the lentil taco filling into tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over rice. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, vegan cheese, salsa, or dairy-free sour cream!
How to Serve It
This taco skillet is super versatile! Try these serving ideas:
Classic Tacos – Load it into corn or flour tortillas with fresh toppings.
Burrito Bowl – Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a protein-packed meal.
Loaded Nachos – Spoon over tortilla chips and top with guacamole.
Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb, fresh option.
Stuffed Peppers – Use leftovers to fill bell peppers and bake.
Pro Tips & Variations
Want More Heat? Add extra jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Want It Thicker? Reduce the broth slightly or mash some lentils.
Extra Veggies? Stir in corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture.
Topping Ideas? Avocado, fresh salsa, pickled onions, or dairy-free sour cream.
Meal Prep Friendly? Stores in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezer for 3 months!
🥘 FAQs About This Recipe
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes! If using canned lentils, reduce the vegetable broth to 1 cup and simmer for just 10 minutes.
Can I make this oil-free?
Absolutely! Just sauté the veggies with a little water or broth instead of oil.
What’s the best type of lentils to use?
Green or brown lentils work best because they hold their shape. Avoid red lentils, as they break down too much.
Can I freeze this?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Y’all, this One-Pot Lentil Taco Skillet is a must-try for taco lovers! It’s:
Packed with protein & fiber
Made in under 30 minutes
Budget-friendly & meal prep-approved
If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious plant-based meal, this is IT! Give it a try and let me know what y’all think! 
For more easy, budget-friendly vegan recipes, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!
#OnePotMeals #VeganTacos #PlantBasedProtein #TheDestinedKitchen
Save this recipe & tag @TheDestinedKitchen when you try it!
Check out our Guide on How to Ease into Being a Vegetarian for more tips on transitioning to plant-based eating.
For more plant-based inspiration, follow us on
Ingredients
Pantry Staples:
- 2 cups dried lentils green or brown
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil or water for oil-free cooking
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne optional for heat
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small bell pepper diced
- 1 small jalapeño finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the Lentils & Spices
- Stir in the lentils, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Let everything toast for about 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
Simmer Until Tender
- Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the mixture thickens.
Add Final Touches
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Spoon the lentil taco filling into tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over rice. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, vegan cheese, salsa, or dairy-free sour cream!
