Heart-Healthy Taco Mince

Elevate your taco night with this vibrant and nutritious Heart-Healthy Taco Mince, a flavorful, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Packed with protein-rich red lentils and black beans, this recipe is simmered to perfection with a blend of smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and zesty lime juice. Grated carrots and red bell peppers add a natural sweetness and crunch, while fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness to every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this nutrient-dense taco filling is low in sodium and crafted with heart health in mind. Serve it in crunchy taco shells, over leafy greens, or wrapped in whole-grain tortillas for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Nutriscore Rating: 87/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 medium Carrots, grated
• 1 cup Red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2.5 cups Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional, or to taste)
• 1 cup Cooked black beans
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lime juice

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced red bell pepper and grated carrots, and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed red lentils, low-sodium vegetable broth, and tomato paste.

Step 6

Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground coriander, black pepper, and optional salt. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 8

Stir in the cooked black beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 9

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Step 10

Serve the heart-healthy taco mince warm in taco shells, over greens, or with whole-grain tortillas. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1480.6 grams (1480.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	850

Total Fat 17.70g	23%
Saturated Fat 2.80g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1061mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate 138.70g	50%
Dietary Fiber 43.90g	157%
Total Sugars 29.30g
Protein 40.40g	81%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 254mg	20%
Iron 16mg	87%
Potassium 3244mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.2%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 63.4%