These Vegan BBQ Lentil Burritos are a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Loaded with smoky BBQ lentils, creamy avocado, crunchy slaw, and a tangy tahini dressing, they deliver bold taste in every bite.
Rich in plant-based protein, high in fiber, and full of healthy fats, this recipe makes an easy, quick option for everyday cooking or meal prep, keeping you energized and satisfied without excess saturated fat.
15-Minute Flavorful BBQ Lentil Burritos
Equipment
- 1-Large skillet
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
For the Tahini Dressing:
- ½ cup tahini
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 –2 tbsp lemon juice to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion salt or to taste
- Water as needed
For the Burritos:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- 3 cups cooked lentils
- ¾ – 1 cup BBQ sauce adjust to taste
- 2 cups shredded cabbage coleslaw mix
- ½ lime juiced
- Pinch of salt to taste
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 ripe avocados sliced
- Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Tahini Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the tahini with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a light sprinkle of onion salt. Using a whisk, stir slowly until the mixture begins to thicken. At first, the dressing may look clumpy—that’s normal. Gradually add small amounts of water, whisking well after each addition, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer a tangier bite. Once balanced, set the bowl aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the burrito fillings.
- Sauté the Onion for Flavor: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced red onion. Stir occasionally and cook for about 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. This step builds the flavor foundation for the lentils, ensuring they absorb a rich, savory depth when the BBQ sauce is added.
- Cook the BBQ Lentil Mixture: To the softened onions, add the cooked lentils. Stir to combine and allow them to warm through for 1–2 minutes. Next, pour in ¾ cup of BBQ sauce and mix thoroughly until the lentils are well coated and glossy. Taste the mixture—if you’d like a stronger smoky-sweet flavor, add more sauce a spoonful at a time. Reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer gently, allowing the sauce to cling to each grain. Keep warm until ready to assemble.
- Prepare the Tangy Coleslaw: While the lentils are cooking, take a medium mixing bowl and add the shredded cabbage coleslaw mix. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and sprinkle lightly with salt. Using tongs or a fork, toss everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated. This quick lime dressing brightens the flavor, balances the sweetness of the BBQ lentils, and adds a refreshing crunch inside the burritos.
- Rinse and Prep the Black Beans: Drain the canned black beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and starch. Shake off any excess water and set them aside in a small bowl. You can use them at room temperature for a cool contrast in the burrito, or if you prefer warm beans, simply heat them in a small saucepan over low heat for 2–3 minutes until just warmed through.
- Slice the Avocados Fresh: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and carefully scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Slice into thin strips or chunks depending on your preference. Keep the avocado slices aside and prepare them just before assembly to preserve their creamy texture and prevent browning.
- Warm the Tortillas for Flexibility: To make rolling easier, warm each tortilla briefly. You can do this by placing one directly over an open gas flame for 5–10 seconds per side until lightly charred and pliable, or by heating them in a dry skillet for 15–20 seconds per side. Warming the tortillas ensures they don’t crack or tear when filled and rolled. Stack them on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
- Assemble the Burritos with Care: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Start by adding a generous scoop of the BBQ lentil mixture in the center, slightly below the middle line. Next, spoon over a portion of the black beans, followed by a handful of tangy slaw. Add a few slices of creamy avocado, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Finally, drizzle with a spoonful of the prepared tahini dressing to tie all the flavors together.
- Roll the Burritos Securely: To roll, fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, roll the tortilla tightly upward, tucking the filling in as you go. Continue rolling until fully sealed, pressing gently to hold the shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings. A well-rolled burrito will hold together without spilling when sliced.
- Slice and Serve with Extra Dressing: Using a sharp knife, cut each burrito in half on the diagonal for a neat presentation. Arrange on a plate and serve with extra tahini dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling. These burritos are best enjoyed fresh but can also be wrapped in foil or parchment for an on-the-go meal.
Notes
- Use cooked lentils (green or brown work best) for a hearty, meaty texture.
- Adjust BBQ sauce according to your taste—sweeter or smokier blends both work well.
- Slice the avocado fresh just before serving to prevent browning.
- Warming the tortillas makes rolling much easier and prevents tearing.
- The tahini dressing can be thinned with water or made tangier with extra lemon juice.
- Burritos are customizable—add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
- These burritos are great for meal prep—assemble ahead and wrap tightly in foil or parchment for easy grab-and-go meals.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Burritos
The secret to a great burrito is all about balance.
Make sure each bite delivers a variety of textures: creamy avocado, hearty lentils, crunchy slaw, and soft tortillas.
When rolling, don’t overfill—less is more if you want your burrito to stay intact.
For maximum flavor, let the BBQ lentils simmer gently so the sauce thickens and coats every bite.
Always warm your tortillas first; this not only makes them more pliable but also enhances their flavor.
Lastly, slice the burrito on a diagonal for restaurant-style presentation.
Serving Suggestions That Impress
These burritos are hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing them with simple sides can turn them into a complete meal.
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy baked sweet potato fries make excellent accompaniments.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider adding tortilla chips with guacamole, salsa, or vegan queso on the side.
For a refreshing drink, pair with iced tea, sparkling lime water, or a chilled agua fresca.
Whether for lunch, dinner, or a picnic, these burritos are versatile and always satisfying.
Smart Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
For best results, assemble and eat the burritos fresh since avocado and slaw can lose texture over time.
However, you can store individual components separately for up to 3–4 days in airtight containers.
The BBQ lentils and beans can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen, then reheated before assembling.
If you want to meal-prep fully wrapped burritos, skip the avocado and slaw until serving, then reheat the burritos in a skillet or oven before adding fresh toppings.
Wrapping each burrito tightly in foil also helps preserve freshness for on-the-go meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned lentils instead of cooked ones?
Yes! Canned lentils are a quick shortcut. Just drain and rinse them well before adding to the skillet. They’ll absorb the BBQ sauce easily and save you prep time.
2. Which type of BBQ sauce works best?
Both sweet and smoky varieties work well. If you prefer a bold flavor, go for a smoky chipotle-style sauce. For a lighter, tangier burrito, choose a vinegar-based sauce. Homemade BBQ sauce also adds a personal touch.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free wraps or large collard green leaves for a lighter option. Ensure your BBQ sauce is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden wheat-based ingredients.
4. Can I store leftovers overnight?
Yes, but the texture may soften. If storing whole burritos, wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep fillings separate and assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor.
5. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add roasted bell peppers, corn, sautéed mushrooms, or even fresh spinach. These extras not only boost nutrition but also add layers of flavor and texture, making each burrito unique.
