These protein-packed, loaded vegetarian nachos are layered with a smoky mushroom-lentil filling, melty pepper jack-colby cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. Topped with fresh pico de gallo and creamy avocado, they're the ultimate easy snack or sheet pan party recipe.
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Delicious Mushroom Lentil Nachos
If you're a huge nacho fan, this recipe takes things beyond the ordinary loaded nachos you'd find at a restaurant or grocery store. Instead of ground beef or ground turkey, these meatless nachos use mushrooms, lentils, pinto beans, and soy chorizo for a hearty and satisfying base. The result?
A protein-packed vegetarian nacho recipe that's just as filling as the meaty versions, but lighter and full of bold flavor.
What makes these nachos stand out is the balance of textures: crispy tortilla chips layered with melty cheese, smoky chipotle seasoning, and plenty of favorite toppings like pico de gallo, avocado chunks, and fresh cilantro.
Whip these up for a quick weeknight main meal, a Super Bowl party, or your next game day spread. They're an easy vegetarian nachos recipe that picky eaters, meat eaters, and veggie lovers can all dig into.
From avocado crema to a drizzle of sour cream, from green onions to black olives, there are endless additional toppings you can add to make these nachos your own. No matter how you build your plate of nachos, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy ultimate comfort food without needing a ton of oil or complicated steps.
Why You'll Love These Nachos
- Protein-packed & meatless - Lentils, mushrooms, beans, and soy chorizo create hearty vegetarian nachos that even meat eaters will crave.
- Loaded with flavor - Smoky chipotle in adobo, taco seasoning, and melty cheese make everything bold and satisfying.
- Easy to make - Layer on a baking sheet for oven nachos or parchment in the air fryer for a quick weeknight recipe.
- Customizable toppings - From pico de gallo and avocado chunks to green onions, sour cream, or avocado crema, you can add all your favorite nacho toppings.
- Perfect for any occasion - Use it for game day, the Super Bowl, or just a delicious snack for picky eaters, these nachos deliver ultimate comfort food vibes.
How it was Developed
I first came up with this recipe after making my vegetarian birria tacos, where I discovered how unstoppable this blend of mushrooms, lentils, pinto beans, soy chorizo, and chipotle in adobo really is.
The mix had everything I wanted: bold flavor, plenty of plant-based proteins, and a fun, saucy texture that works just as well spooned over crispy tortilla chips as it does tucked inside tortillas. Turning it into nachos felt like the natural next step, and now it's one of my favorite ways to serve a main dish that's hearty enough for game day but still totally vegetarian.
Recommended Reads
- Ultimate Loaded Nachos Recipe | Cheese Sauce & Pepper Crema
- Cheesy Chipotle Mushroom Vegetarian Birria Tacos
- Homemade Pico de Gallo | Fresh Salsa in 10 Minutes
- Curry Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower-Potato Mash | A Comforting Vegetarian Twist
- Vegetarian Chipotle Mushroom Lentil Bean Chili
Ingredients with Steps
To make these vegetarian mushroom lentil nachos, start by simmering red lentils in broth until tender, then combine them with sautéed mushrooms, pinto beans, soy chorizo, taco seasoning, chipotle in adobo, and a spoonful of pico de gallo for a smoky, protein-rich filling.
Layer the mixture with crispy tortilla chips and a pepper jack-colby cheese blend on parchment paper, either in the air fryer basket or on a sheet pan for the oven. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then finish with fresh pico de gallo and creamy avocado chunks for nachos that are hearty, flavorful, and ready to share.
Culinary Glossary
This section concisely defines key ingredients and techniques related to this post to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills.
- Chipotle in Adobo - Smoked, dried jalapeños stewed in a tangy tomato sauce, adding smoky heat and depth of flavor.
- Soy Chorizo - A plant-based version of the spicy, seasoned sausage made with soy protein instead of pork or beef.
- Red Lentils - Quick-cooking legumes that soften into a tender, protein-packed base, perfect for hearty vegetarian recipes.
- Pico de Gallo - A fresh Mexican salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños.
- Melty Cheese - A cheese (or blend) like pepper jack, colby, or Monterey Jack that melts smoothly, creating that gooey nacho topping.
Equipment
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe with ease:
- Small pot with lid - for cooking the red lentils.
- Large skillet - to sauté mushrooms and prepare the filling.
- Wooden spoon or spatula - for stirring the mixture evenly.
- Cutting board & sharp knife - to chop mushrooms, chipotle pepper, and avocado.
- Measuring cups & spoons - to portion broth, beans, taco seasoning, and cheese.
- Air fryer with parchment paper - for quick, crispy nachos.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper - alternative method for oven-baked nachos.
- Serving tray or platter - to present nachos directly on the parchment paper.
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
My Review: I’ve had this Cuisinart saucepan for years, and it’s still going strong. It heats evenly, cleans up easily, and the handle stays cool, making it one of my go-to tools for small-batch cooking like fonio or reheating sauces. While I love my All-Clad pans, this one’s been a reliable, budget-friendly alternative that I actually trust. It’s a solid choice if you’re building your cookware collection without getting into luxury prices just yet.
My Review: The Lodge Blacklock 10.25" Triple Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of cookware. I’m especially impressed by how lightweight it feels compared to traditional cast iron, making it easy to maneuver while cooking and serving. The clean, smooth finish not only looks sleek but also delivers reliable nonstick performance, making cleanup simple. It’s a premium skillet that combines classic durability with a modern design upgrade I truly appreciate.
Review: The Cosori Turbo Blaze Air Fryer has been an absolute big help in my kitchen! The large basket is perfect for cooking bigger portions, and cleanup is a breeze—just toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out spotless with no damage. I also love the thoughtful design, with a flat grid basket and silicone feet that prevent scratching and are super easy to remove and reinsert. The big, clear display with multiple preset temperature and time options makes cooking so quick and hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Honestly, I love it so much that I haven’t had to pull out my Ninja air fryer since getting this one!
My Review: The USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Baking Pan and Nonstick Cooling Rack Set is such a smart buy, it’s incredibly convenient to have both the pan and rack come together as a set. You never know when you’ll need the rack for roasting, cooling, or glazing, and having it perfectly fitted to the pan saves so much time and hassle. The pan itself is super sturdy with excellent heat distribution, and the nonstick rack makes cleanup a breeze. I’ve used it for everything from baking cookies to roasting vegetables and even draining fried foods. It’s one of those kitchen upgrades that just makes life easier.
Storage and Reheating
Learn how to properly store leftovers and reheat them so they stay fresh and flavorful. Learn more about Understanding Food Temperature Safety Zones: Cook, Store & Serve Safely.
- Storage: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, transfer them (still on the parchment if possible) into a separate airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, or sour cream separate to maintain the best texture.
- Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chips crisp back up.
- Oven: Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it softens the tortilla chips and loses the crispy texture.
Substitutions
Find easy ingredient swaps to fit dietary needs or what you already have in your pantry.
Dairy-Free
- Cheese: Swap the pepper jack-colby blend with vegan cheese shreds (brands like Violife, Daiya, or Follow Your Heart) for that gooey melted texture.
Gluten-Free
- Yay! This recipe is already dairy-free.
Vegetarian
- Bonus! This recipe is also gluten-free.
Convenience
- Red Lentils - Swap with brown or green lentils (longer cook time) or use canned lentils for quicker prep.
- Mushrooms - Use zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a different veggie texture.
- Pinto Beans - Replace with black beans, kidney beans, or refried beans, depending on pantry staples.
- Soy Chorizo - Try crumbled tofu with taco seasoning, tempeh, or even ground beef or turkey if not strictly vegetarian.
- Pepper Jack-Colby Cheese Blend - Use Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or pre-shredded cheese. For dairy-free, swap in vegan cheese or vegan queso.
- Pico de Gallo - Replace with store-bought salsa or a quick mix of chopped tomatoes and green onions.
- Avocado - Use avocado crema, plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream for creaminess.
- Chipotle in Adobo - Sub with green chiles, smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce for a milder kick.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
5 Cooking Tips
Cook's Notebook is your Cooking Tips Resource Guide. Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently.
- Cook Lentils Until Just Tender - Overcooked lentils can get mushy, so keep an eye on them for the best texture in your nacho filling.
- Brown the Mushrooms Well - Let them cook without stirring too much to develop a deep, savory flavor before adding beans and seasoning.
- Layer for Maximum Flavor - Spread chips in a single layer, add half of the cheese and filling, then repeat. This way, every bite gets melty cheese and toppings.
- Air Fryer vs. Oven - The air fryer gives a quick crisp in 10-15 minutes, while the baking sheet in the oven works best for larger batches.
- Serve Toppings Fresh - Add pico de gallo, avocado chunks, or even a drizzle of sour cream or avocado crema after cooking to keep the nachos vibrant and balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Yes! Swap the cheese with vegan cheese or vegan queso and skip the sour cream. Nutritional yeast also makes a great topping for vegan nachos.
A melty cheese like Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or a pepper jack-colby blend gives the best texture. You can even mix half of the cheese into the filling and sprinkle the rest on top for maximum gooeyness.
It's best to enjoy nachos right after cooking for the crispiest tortilla chips. However, you can prep the lentil-mushroom filling in advance, store it in an airtight container, and assemble the nachos on a baking sheet or air fryer parchment when ready.
Favorite nacho toppings include black beans, refried beans, green onions, black olives, avocado crema, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce. Fresh cilantro or lime juice also brightens up the final plate of nachos.
Yes! Thanks to lentils, beans, and soy chorizo, these meatless nachos are packed with protein and fiber. They're hearty enough to serve as a main dish for dinner, but they also work as an easy vegetarian nachos recipe for game day or Super Bowl snacking.
Vegetarian Recipes
Looking for other meatless and plant-based recipes like this? Try these:
- How to Make Ata Gige Paste - A Nigerian Aromatic Base for Cooking
- A Quick Look at Haitian Flavor with Pikliz-Style Citrus Slaw
- Surprisingly High-Protein Meals Using Beans or Ground Turkey!
- Mango Coconut Felato | Ninja Creami Gelato-Style Treat
Mexican Recipes
Looking for other Mexican-inspired recipes like this? Try these:
- Ultimate Loaded Nachos Recipe | Cheese Sauce & Pepper Crema
- 4 Must-Try Tacos Recipes to Inspire Your Next Craving
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
- Homemade Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce
📖 Recipe
Protein-Packed Loaded Vegetarian Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms finely chopped
- ½ cup canned pinto beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup soy chorizo
- 1 cup taco seasoning
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo finely chopped, plus 1 teaspoon sauce
- ½ cup pico de gallo homemade or store-bought
Nachos
- 6 ounces corn tortilla chips about 6 cups
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack-colby cheese blend
Toppings
- ½ cup pico de gallo some for garnish
- 1 ripe avocado diced
Equipment
- Small Saucepan with lid
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Air Fryer or oven
- Sheet for oven method
- Parchment Paper
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Lentils: In a small pot, bring the lentils and broth to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
- Make the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes until browned. Stir in pinto beans, soy chorizo, taco seasoning, and chipotle in adobo. Cook 3 minutes, then fold in cooked lentils and ½ cup pico de gallo.
Assemble the Nachos
- Air Fryer: Line the basket with parchment paper. Layer half the chips, half the filling, and half the cheese. Repeat for a second layer.
- Oven: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Layer chips, filling, and cheese the same way.
Cook the Nachos
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 350 °F for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Oven: Bake at 375 °F for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is fully melted.
Plate Up
- Serve: Transfer the parchment with nachos to a serving tray. Top with fresh pico de gallo and avocado chunks. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Servings Variations: 4 (as an appetizer or snack) or 2 for a full meal.
- For extra richness, add a drizzle of crema or sour cream on top.
- Want spicier nachos? Stir an extra spoon of adobo sauce into the filling.
- To scale up for a crowd, double the recipe and bake on a full sheet pan.
- For extra smokiness, add a dash of smoked paprika with the taco seasoning.
- If making ahead, cook the filling and refrigerate; assemble and air fry right before serving.
Nutrition
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Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy as a trained chef, former teacher and technician she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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