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    Home » Vegan Basics

    Vegan Ground Beef

    Published Sep 23, 2020 · Updated Mar 29, 2023 · 12 Comments

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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This vegan ground beef is super easy to make and can be used as a substitute for meat in many recipes, like tacos, casseroles, soups, and more. High in protein, nut-free, and easily made oil-free.

    Vegan ground meat cooking in a cast iron skillet.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Adaptations
    • Recipes That Use Vegan Ground Beef
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    A big thing that deters people from going vegetarian or vegan is "giving up meat." What if you totally didn't have to? Vegan meat is delicious and cruelty-free!

    One of the easiest meats to replace with a vegetarian version is beef. There are tons of store-bought options available - like Impossible Burger, Beyond Meat, Trader Joe's, Aldi, and Gardein. You can also make your own homemade vegan ground beef substitute, which is what we are exploring today.

    The key to making the best ground meat is getting the texture and flavor just right. This recipe hits both marks!

    Ingredients

    There are two main components to this recipe: TVP (textured vegetable protein) and the marinade to make it taste meaty.

    The detailed recipe with measurements is in the recipe card at the end of the post.

    Overhead shot of ingredients for TVP beef.
    • Textured vegetable protein: Also known as TVP. This is the base for our vegan ground beef and great news - it's high in protein! I buy mine on Amazon.
    • Vegetable broth
    • Tomato paste
    • Soy sauce
    • Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Some brands contain fish like anchovies, so read the label! Here is a homemade version that is vegan. If you're out of options, you can just substitute this ingredient with more soy sauce.
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Paprika
    • Smoked paprika
    • Black pepper
    • Cooking oil

    Instructions

    This vegan ground meat takes about 20 minutes to make and is so easy. You can find the full, printable recipe in the recipe card below.

    Step-by-step collage. 1) Mix together the marinade. 2) Mix in TVP and let soak. 3) Add to pan with oil. 4) Sauté.
    1. In a bowl, whisk together the marinade: vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
    2. Mix in the TVP and let sit for 5 minutes.
    3. Heat a pan on medium heat with a little cooking oil.
    4. Add the ground beef mixture to the pan. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until browned.

    Storage

    Q: How long does this keep in the fridge?
    A: Up to 5 days! Which makes it perfect for meal prepping. Make this recipe at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout.

    Q: Can I freeze this TVP ground beef?
    A:
    YES! Freeze in a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 3 months.

    Vegan ground beef substitute cooking in a cast iron pan.

    Adaptations

    • Soy-free: Because the main ingredient for this recipe is soy-based, it cannot be made soy-free. Try this lentil taco meat for an alternative. Some store-bought versions are also soy-free.
    • Oil-free: Easy! Simply sauté without the oil. Using a good non-stick pan is best in this case.
    • For tacos: Add 2-3 teaspoons of taco seasoning to make this vegan ground beef into taco meat! Enjoy in a vegan taco salad.

    Recipes That Use Vegan Ground Beef

    Some of these recipes call for ground meat outright, and some of them can use it as a substitute for other ingredients.

    • Vegan Nachos (use instead of or with the black beans)
    • Vegan Shepherd's Pie
    • Vegan Crunchwrap (use instead of the lentils)
    • Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas (use instead of or with black beans)

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please leave a comment and a ⭐ star review below!

    Recipe

    Closeup of vegan TVP ground beef in a pan.

    Vegan Ground Beef

    Karissa Besaw
    Easy vegan ground beef substitute you can use in tacos, soups, and anywhere else you'd use ground meat.
    5 from 41 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dinner, Salad Topping
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 8
    Calories 48 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup vegetable broth
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup textured vegetable protein also called "TVP"
    • cooking oil for sautéing

    Instructions
     

    • In a bowl, whisk together the marinade: vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, and black pepper. If making taco meat, add 2-3 teaspoons of taco seasoning.
    • Mix in the TVP and let sit for 5 minutes.
    • Heat a pan on medium heat with a little cooking oil (I use about 2 teaspoons.)
    • Add the ground beef mixture to the pan. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until browned.

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe makes about 1.5lb of vegan ground beef and keeps for about 5 days in the fridge.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 6gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 297mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 216IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Welcome to Karissa's Vegan Kitchen! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen.

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