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Quinoa Taco Meat

April 26, 2013 by Cara

Despite the fact that I never cared for the taste of meat really, as a kid you could have found me at either McDonald’s or Taco Bell. Though I would order a hamburger or a taco, if I sensed one bite of what I called the taste of beef I would revolt it out of my mouth, into my napkin and quickly shove back into my mouth a handful of fries or Cinnamon Crisps (bring the REAL version back, will you Taco Bell?!) Or better yet, replace your meat with quinoa (could it be a Quinoa Taco Meat?!) and then we have a deal!

A hearty vegetarian taco filling made with your favorite grain and spices, makes this Quinoa Taco Meat the perfect filling for Taco Tuesday!

 No wonder as an adult I typically choose the veggie version over the real thing. Thankfully there are so many ways to make that veggie version taste significantly better–you would never miss the meat. And think about all that natural goodness that comes from this Quinoa Taco Meat. No need to worry about any bacteria in this faux red meat. That always relaxes me.

A hearty vegetarian taco filling made with your favorite grain and spices, makes this Quinoa Taco Meat the perfect filling for Taco Tuesday! 

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Quinoa Taco Meat

  • Author: Fork & Beans
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 7 mins
  • Total Time: 12 mins
  • Yield: Fills approx. 6 tacos
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 c. uncooked quinoa (cooked with 1 c. vegetable broth)
  • 2 Tbsp. green chiles, canned
  • 2 Tbsp. thinly chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 of an onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2–1 tsp. cumin (depending on your taste preference)
  • 1/2 tsp. ancho chile pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, saute the onion with oil for about 3-5 minutes. Add green chiles and stir.
  2. Add cumin, paprika, ancho chile pepper, cayenne, and salt. Mix into quinoa and cook another minute. Stir in cilantro last.
  3. Stuff into these AMAZING homemade gluten free tortillas and serve with favorite taco toppings.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @forkandbeans on Instagram and hashtag it #forkandbeans

 

A hearty vegetarian taco filling made with your favorite grain and spices, makes this Quinoa Taco Meat the perfect filling for Taco Tuesday!

YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

  • Hearts of Palm TaquitosHearts of Palm Taquitos
  • Beer-Battered Cauliflower TacosBeer-Battered Cauliflower Tacos
  • Stuffed Bell PeppersStuffed Bell Peppers
  • Baked Taco SaladBaked Taco Salad

Filed Under: Anti-Candida Friendly, Dinner Ideas, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Nut Free, Vegan

About Cara

Based in Chicago with her husband and son, Cara is the creator behind the site Fork and Beans: A place where kids can have fun with their food.

Previous Post: « Avocado Mango Fig Salsa
Next Post: Strawberry Rhubarb Pancakes »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joe Byer

    November 3, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    I love this idea, I’ve been doing it for a few months now and it’s a serious staple in my culinary rotation. I will say, though, that I like to mix grains for a variety in texture. Sub a little of the quinoa for wheat berries or whatever you have hanging around. The wheat berries are a favorite of mine, they give such a great taste and texture, plus if you take the leftovers and sautee it in a little oil, it picks up this little toasty, crispy, browned happy flavors that will make you swoon. Also, this same setup with seasonings like chorizo is amazing.

  2. jenny

    August 31, 2013 at 9:49 am

    This was great! I made 1/2 c dry quinoa with 3/4 c stock, and then added 4oz of pre-cooked tempeh to add a little extra heft. I used this on tostadas last night and it was such a nice accompaniment to my beans!

  3. Katie @ Produce on Parade

    July 12, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    What a splendid idea, Cara! Much healthier than the faux ground meat I’ve been buying for sure… ๐Ÿ™‚ Cheers and thanks for sharing!

  4. Barbara

    July 3, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    sounds great………can one use red Quinoa, I like it better thanks

  5. rachel

    May 9, 2013 at 9:49 am

    unless of course you are at Haven. just sayin’ ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Cara

      May 12, 2013 at 9:18 am

      I miss Haven…and YOU!

  6. Rande McDaniel @ The Vegetable Centric Kitchen

    May 6, 2013 at 7:12 am

    How creative! I’m trying these for my fiancee tonight ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Baker Bettie

    May 1, 2013 at 4:59 am

    Those are amazingly beautiful and sound delicious! Sorry I have been so absent from your blog lately. I have much more free time now so, watch out, I am going to be so clingy. Haha. Was that creepy?!

  8. Somer

    April 30, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Lentil tacos are so last season! bring on the quinoa!

  9. Gabby @ the veggie nook

    April 28, 2013 at 6:02 am

    This sounds so tasty! Something about summer and tacos that just go together. This has me dreaming of eating tacos on a patio with a beer to go with ๐Ÿ˜‰

  10. Brooke (Crackers on the Couch)

    April 27, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Well, not to be pro-meat or anything, but I hardly think Micky D’s or Taco Hell are good restaurants to judge meat by. Ick. That said, even if they served top choice organic, grass-fed, humanely raised beef, I’d pick your version any day!

  11. Beth @ Tasty Yummies

    April 27, 2013 at 7:46 am

    Yup another amazing recipe. So creative! I have to try this.

  12. Courtney @ The Fig Tree

    April 26, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    Looks tasty! Love quinoa and love tacos!

  13. IRENA

    April 26, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    Omg, the photos are fantastic and the tacos looks so yummy!!

  14. Aubrey

    April 26, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    This looks beautiful Cara. I’ve seen quinoa as taco meat but not quite as beautiful. I’ll definitely be making this.

  15. Ashley Austrew

    April 26, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    PERFECT! Seriously. I was just thinking about how much I wanted to have a veggie taco night, but am so sick of the usual alternatives. Now I’ll try this!

  16. Joy @For the Love of Leaves

    April 26, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Yum! I haven’t had crunchy tacos in so long, may need to do something about that now…

  17. Holly

    April 26, 2013 at 10:03 am

    We love quinoa tacos and quinoa-lentil tacos. They are family favorites and we eat them weekly. I’ve never added green chilis to mine but I love green chilis so I’ll need to try your version soon. I like to make extra for leftover taco salads.

    • Molly (Sprue Story)

      April 28, 2013 at 3:45 pm

      Holly, my usual standby is lentil tacos, so I was just wondering if a quinoa-lentil combo would work. Do you generally just cook the lentils and quinoa together?

  18. Laurel

    April 26, 2013 at 9:00 am

    Eek! It’s ALIVE (you, not the meat) and this look delicioso. Score. Again. <3

  19. Cadry

    April 26, 2013 at 7:44 am

    Oh, intriguing! This sounds delicious! If I could only have one food for the rest of my life, I would have to choose tacos. I don’t know why someone would require this of me, but I’m going to jot down your recipe now just in case. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Trackbacks

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Welcome, I’m Cara! At Fork and Beans you will find creativity at every corner. From snack ideas, to holiday fun–even crafts and activities to do with your kids. If you are a parent (or just love fun food), you’ve come to the right spot! Come check out the latest idea I’ve made for my family and stay awhile, won’t you?

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