Make this 15-minute lentil taco meat recipe served on buns—a kid-approved protein dinner that’s perfect for busy nights!
When life gives you taco parts but not taco shells, you improvise. That’s exactly how I, a busy dietitian mom, turned my simple and nutritious lentil taco meat filling into easy-peasy taco melts on buns! Think of it as a mix of a sloppy joe, a taco, and a tuna melt! With just five basic ingredients, this quick dinner is a game-changer for hectic weeknights. Whether you’re fueling up for evening activities or kicking back for a casual family meal, this lentil taco meat is so versatile and hits the spot every time. How many you make depends on the size of your family and your buns (the Taco Melt buns, not your buns!).
Why We Love Taco Melts Using Lentil Taco Meat
- Quick & Easy: Sometimes, I don’t have taco shells ready. I love that these melty buns come together in less than 15 minutes with the pantry staples I have on hand.
- Packed with Nutrition: High in protein and fiber thanks to the addition of lentils, my FAVORITE ingredient!
- Approved by children: My kids can’t get enough and I bet yours will love them too!
- Customizable: Add toppings you love or keep it simple—this recipe is very customizable.
What you need to make the Meat Taco Lentil Melts
- ground beef
- Taco Seasoning
- Lentils (canned, rinsed and drained)
- Grated cheese
- Soft buns (wholemeal or your choice)
Optional (but delicious!) toppings:
- Diced peppers or tomatoes
- Milk cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh coriander
- Taco sauce
How to Make Taco Melts on Buns
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef for 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Drain off excess fat, then add taco seasoning. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, adding a little water if necessary.
Add the lentils and remove from the heat.
While the beef is roasting, preheat your oven broiler. Place the bun halves on a baking sheet and collect whatever toppings you want to use. Divide taco mixture evenly between bread halves – about 1/3 cup for 8 melts or 1/2 cup for 6 melts. Sprinkle each with a handful of grated cheese (about 2 tablespoons).
Place the melted ones under the boiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is foamy and melted. Watch them—they can brown quickly!
Serve as is or let everyone customize their melts with optional toppings. They’re great on their own, but adding fresh veggies, sour cream, or taco sauce takes them to the next level.
How to customize lentil taco meat for everyone
How Can I Make These Taco Melts Vegetarian?
To make these taco melts meatless, simply swap out the ground beef for vegetable crumble or add extra lentils to the mix. Lentils will still provide a “full ‘meaty'” texture and boost the fiber and protein content. Win-win!
Can I make the lentil taco meat ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, my number one time-saving tip is to whip up this recipe. You can easily cook in batches by doubling the lentil taco meat mixture. Store half in the fridge or freezer for another meal—think tacos, nachos, or a quick rice bowl. This helps save time on busy nights when you need a quick dinner.
How do I make taco melts for my picky eater?
My answer is to set things up “family style” (see my ultimate guide to picky eating for more tips!). In other words, create a topping bar for the kids to customize their own taco melts. Let them choose from diced peppers, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro and more. This makes the meal interactive and allows them to customize it to their taste!
More 15 minute dinner recipes
These melty tacos have become a staple in our house for those “What’s for dinner?” moments when time is short and hunger is high. The best part? They are just as fun to eat as they are to make! Don’t forget to share your favorite way to enjoy this lentil taco meat filling in the comments. Enjoy!
15 minute lentil taco meat on buns for kids
Production efficiency:
6-8
Preparation time:
5 minutes
Cooking time:
8 minutes
Total time:
13 minutes
Make this 15-minute lentil taco meat recipe served on buns—a kid-approved protein dinner that’s perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
1 lb/454 g ground beef
1 packet (1/4 cup) taco seasoning
1 (398 mL/14-ounce) can lentils
3/4 cup grated cheese
3 to 4 soft buns of your choice, cut in half
For serving, optional:
Diced peppers or tomatoes
Milk cream
Chopped green onions
cilantro
Taco sauce
Instructions
- Sauté the minced meat over high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, remove the excess parchment paper from the pan and mix with the taco seasoning. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, until cooked through, adding a little water to moisten if needed. Add the lentils and remove from the heat.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven boiler, arrange the bun halves on a baking tray and collect any other optional toppings, if using.
- Cover each bun with taco mixture. To make 8 melts, use 1/3 generous cup each, to make 6 melts, use 1/2 generous cup each. Sprinkle a handful of cheese (about 2 tablespoons) over each melt.
- Add the melted ones to the boiler and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serving. We love them all on their own, but sometimes I’ll throw in fun toppings using whatever I have on hand.
