15-Minute Lentil Taco Melts on Buns for Kids
Whip up this 15-minute lentil taco meat recipe served on buns—a kid-approved, protein-packed dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
When life hands you taco fixings but no taco shells, you improvise. That’s exactly how I, a busy dietitian mom, turned my simple and nourishing lentil taco meat filling into easy-peasy taco melts on buns! Think of it as a mash-up of a sloppy joe, a taco, and a tuna melt! With just five main ingredients, this quick dinner is a game-changer for hectic weeknights. Whether you’re fueling up for evening activities or cozying up for a laid-back 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 own buns!).
Why We Love Taco Melts Using Lentil Taco Meat
- Quick & Easy: Sometimes, I don’t have taco shells at the ready. I love that these bun melts come together in under 15 minutes with the pantry staples I have on hand.
- Packed with Nutrition: High in protein and fibre, thanks to the addition of lentils, my FAVE ingredient!
- Kid-Approved: 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 adaptable.
What You Need to Make Lentil Taco Meat Melts
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Lentils (canned, rinsed, and drained)
- Shredded cheese
- Soft buns (whole wheat or your choice)
Optional (but delicious!) toppings:
- Diced bell peppers or tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- 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 browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
Stir in the lentils and remove from heat.
While the beef cooks, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the bun halves on a baking sheet and gather any toppings you’d like to use. Divide the taco mixture evenly among the bun halves—about 1/3 cup for 8 melts or 1/2 cup for 6 melts. Sprinkle each with a handful of shredded cheese (about 2 tablespoons).
Place the melts under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on 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 Adapt Lentil Taco Meat for Everyone
How can I make these Taco Melts vegetarian?
To make these taco melts meatless, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or add extra lentils to the mix. The lentils will still provide a “hearty “meaty” texture and boost the fibre and plant-based 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 batch this recipe out. You can easily batch cook 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 can I make taco melts for my picky eater?
My answer is to set things up “family style” (check out my ultimate guide to picky eating for more tips!). In other words, set up a toppings bar for the kids to personalize their own taco melts. Let them choose from diced bell 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
- Loaded Fiesta Salad
- Healthy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado
- Coconut Thai Chicken Soup
- Gourmet Tuna Melts
These taco melts 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’re just as fun to eat as they are to make! Don’t forget to share your favourite way to enjoy this lentil taco meat filling in the comments. Enjoy!
15-Minute Lentil Taco Meat on Buns for Kids
Ingredients
- 1 lb/454 g ground beef
- 1 packet 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 1 398 mL/14-ounce can lentils
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
- 3 to 4 soft buns of choice halved
For serving, optional:
- Diced bell peppers or tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
- Taco sauce
Instructions
- Sauté the ground beef over high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, remove any excess grease from the pan and stir in the taco seasoning. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, until cooked through, adding a little water for moisture, if needed. Stir in the lentils and remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven broiler, arrange the bun halves on a baking sheet and gather any other optional toppings, if using.
- Top 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 melts to the broiler and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve. We love them all on their own but sometimes I will set out fun toppings using whatever I have on hand.
Sarah Remmer, RD, is a registered dietitian and mom of three, specializing in family and pediatric nutrition. She’s the founder of Centred Nutrition Collective and has nearly 20 years of experience helping families feel confident about feeding their kids.
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