Description

This Walnut Taco Meat recipe offers a delicious and healthy plant-based alternative to traditional taco fillings. Made with chopped cauliflower and walnuts blended with smoky chipotle adobo sauce and spices, then baked to perfection, it provides a flavorful and satisfying texture ideal for tacos, taco salads, or bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

Walnut Taco Meat Ingredients

½ medium-large head cauliflower, chopped (about 3 cups)
2 cups walnuts
1 ½ tablespoons chipotle pepper adobo sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon oregano

Instructions

Prep equipment: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper; set aside.
Make taco meat: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chopped cauliflower, walnuts, chipotle adobo sauce, minced garlic, ancho chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Pulse several times until the cauliflower and walnuts break down into small, crumbly pieces resembling taco meat texture.
Bake: Transfer the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking. When finished, remove from the oven and allow the walnut taco meat to cool slightly on the sheet.
Serve: Use the walnut taco meat as a filling for tacos, taco salad bowls, or other favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

The chipotle pepper adobo sauce adds smoky heat; adjust quantity to taste or omit for less spice.
This walnut taco meat works well for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
For added texture, toast the walnuts lightly before processing.
Serve with fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, or salsa for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Keywords: Walnut Taco Meat, plant-based taco, vegetarian taco filling, cauliflower walnut taco, vegan taco meat alternative, healthy taco recipe