Description
This easy Slow Cooker Lentil Tacos recipe creates a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying taco filling with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 ½ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to your spice preference), plus 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce
- Juice of ½ lime
- Optional garnishes: taco shells or tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocado or guacamole, shredded cheese (dairy or dairy-free), sour cream or dairy-free alternative, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños.
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 4. Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and spice mixture to your slow cooker insert.
- 5. Add the rinsed and sorted brown or green lentils to the slow cooker.
- 6. Pour in the vegetable broth.
- 7. Add the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- 8. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and the adobo sauce.
- 9. Give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure the lentils are submerged in the liquid.
- 10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- 11. Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 12. Serve the lentil mixture in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Store cooled lentil filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 250 (filling only, without garnishes)
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g