Quick, Flavorful, and Protein-Packed – The Ultimate Vegan & Gluten-Free Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
Looking for a fast, protein-packed, and flavor-filled meal that the whole family will love? These Vegan & Gluten-Free Instant Pot Lentil Tacos are the perfect solution! Made with hearty lentils, tasty vegetables, and bold seasonings, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying—and best of all, it comes together in under 25 minutes in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Whether you’re making dinner on a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, these lentil tacos are quick, easy, and completely fuss-free. My kids love assembling their own tacos and piling on their favorite toppings, making it a fun, customizable meal for everyone.
Not only are these Instant Pot lentil tacos delicious, but they’re also high in plant-based protein and fiber, making them a wholesome and filling choice for taco night. I have no doubt this will become a family favorite recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!
I hope you enjoy this quick, easy, and flavorful taco recipe as much as we do!
Ingredients for Quick & Easy Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
- Brown Lentils – A hearty, protein-packed base for the taco filling.
- Taco Seasoning Packet – I prefer organic taco seasoning, but you can also make your own blend.
- Salsa – Adds bold flavor and a delicious, slightly spicy kick.
- Vegetable Broth – Helps cook the lentils with extra flavor. If you don’t have broth, water works just fine!
- Taco Shells – Use hard taco shells or gluten-free soft tortillas—whichever you prefer!
Optional Toppings:
Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings, such as:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced Roma tomatoes
- Diced red or green onions
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Extra salsa
- Vegan cheese shreds or queso
- Vegan sour cream
This recipe makes a generous amount of taco filling, perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or feeding a crowd!
How to Make Vegan & Gluten-Free Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
This quick and easy taco filling comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. If you don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker yet, I highly recommend getting one—it’s a total game-changer for fast, hands-off cooking!
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot
✔ Lightly spray the inside of your Instant Pot with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
✔ Pour in the brown lentils, taco seasoning packet, salsa, and vegetable broth.
✔ Stir everything together to combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Lentils
✔ Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes.
✔ While the lentils cook, prep your toppings—dice tomatoes, slice avocado, chop onions, or get your favorite taco toppings ready.
Step 4: Release Pressure & Stir
✔ Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure (use a towel or long spoon to avoid steam burns).
✔ When all the pressure has released, open the lid and give the lentil mixture a good stir.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
✔ Scoop the flavorful lentil taco filling into your hard or soft gluten-free taco shells.
✔ Top with your favorite toppings—shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, vegan cheese, or vegan sour cream.
✔ Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious, protein-packed tacos!
I hope you and your family love this quick, easy, and satisfying taco recipe as much as we do! Leave a comment below and let me know what toppings you love to add!
How to Store & Reheat Instant Pot Lentil Taco Filling
This lentil taco filling stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
Refrigeration:
✔ Allow the lentil mixture to cool completely before storing.
✔ Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing:
✔ For longer storage, place the cooled lentil taco filling in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
✔ Freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ For easier portioning, freeze in individual servings so you can defrost only what you need.
Reheating Instructions:
✔ Stovetop (Best Method): Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if needed to keep it from drying out.
✔ Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
✔ From Frozen: Let the lentil mixture thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat using the stovetop or microwave method above.
This flavorful lentil filling is just as delicious the next day—perfect for making quick tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or even stuffed peppers!
Looking for other Mexican inspired dishes? Check out these delicious recipes!
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Vegan and Gluten Free Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 16 oz. (2 cups) brown lentils
- 1 (1 oz.) taco seasoning packet
- ½ cup salsa
- 1–2 packages taco shells ((depending on how many people you are feeding))
Optional Toppings:
- shredded lettuce
- guacamole or sliced avacado
- diced roma tomatoes
- diced red onion
- salsa
- vegan cheese shreds
- vegan sour cream
Instructions
- Spray the inside liner of your pressure cooker with cooking oil
- Pour in brown lentils, taco seasoning packet, salsa, and vegetable broth and stir to combine.
- Seal the lid of your Instant Pot and set to 15 minutes high pressure.
- While the lentils are cooking prep your optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, etc. and set aside.
- Once the lentils are brought to pressure and finished cooking, CAREFULLY, release the pressure.
When pressure is released (again carefully), open the lid to your Instant Pot and stir the lentil mixture together. - Scoop into taco shells, top with toppings of your choice, and serve.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
