25+ Awesome Vegan Recipes for Using Plant-Based Ground "Beef" (2024)

Whether using Beyond, Impossible, other vegan products, or DIY options, this roundup of hearty vegan recipes using plant-based ground “beef” presents a slew of tempting options. With so many meaty vegan ground alternatives on the market, there’s absolutely no reason to use the animal product.

Switching to plant-based foods is one of the single best ways to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s also kinder to animals and your heart.

Explore these delicious recipes for using plant-based ground from around the web. Some use packaged plant-based ground products; other are DIY using tempeh and other protein foods. Thanks to the creative bloggers who participated in this roundup for permission to feature links to their recipes and photos.

Plant-based ground options

There are lots of options on the market these days, including Beyond, Impossible, Gardein, Lightlife, Plant Pure, and others. Look for them in well-stocked supermarkets and natural foods stores.

For a spicier effect in some of these recipes you can also choose plant-based chorizo; No Evil makes great El Zapatista Chorizo.

Or, if you’re a DIY kind of cook, you can easily make your own vegan beef-less ground using whole foodslike nuts, quinoa, mushrooms, and more.

Casseroles using plant-based ground

Classic Vegan Meatloaf: For those who long for Mom’s classic recipe, this vegan meatloaf may be better than the real thing, for lots of reasons! Our most popular recipe.

Vegan Hotdish: AKA tater tot casserole, this recipe turns the original, traditional Minnesota casserole into something more wholesome, but still freaking delicious.

Vegan Chili Mac Casserole: From This Wife Cooks. The classic chili Mac made with all plant-based ingredients!

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: From Vegan Huggs. This is pure comfort in every bite! The filling combines mushrooms, ground walnuts, grated carrots, and onions for a meaty mince that is savory and satisfying.

Vegan Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: Another take on shepherd’s pie, this sweet potato variation is a perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas main dish, but you need not wait for a holiday to enjoy it.

Stovetop fare with plant-based ground:
Pastas, noodles, chili & more

Pasta with Vegan Bolognese Sauce: The meaty tomato-based sauce in classic pasta Bolognese is so easy make vegan using your favorite plant-based ground or homemade crumbles made with whole foods.

can be made with beefy plant-based ground that you spice up, or going straight to a spicy plant-based chorizo. You can also go full on DIY with a homemade plant-based ground using whole foods.

Vegan Chili Mac: The hearty dish known as “chili mac” is just what it sounds like — a cross between chili and macaroni and cheese. Also known as Cincinnati chili mac, it’s easy to make a vegan chili mac by using plant-based ground and vegan cheese.

Vegan Beefy Pasta Skillet: One of those carb-laden classic recipes that’s so comforting, this vegan beefy pasta skillet is part cheeseburger macaroni, kind of hamburger helper-ish, and all plant-based.

Quick Vegan Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Making these vegan chili-stuffed sweet potatoes is a quick route to a satisfying dinner. As an occasional alternative to plant-based ground, this recipe gives you the option of using quinoa.

Easy Vegan One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: From Delightful Adventures. Tacos and pasta join forces in this easy, family-friendly dish you can make in your Instant Pot or on the stove top. Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy vegan dinner idea everyone will love!

Vegan Picadillo (Tempeh & Lentil): From Running to the Kitchen, here’s a plant based version of this traditional Cuban recipe made with tempeh, lentils and potatoes. It’s packed with big flavors from Spanish olives, capers, raisins and spices in a hearty tomato base. Perfect served over rice, cauliflower rice, a bed of greens or zoodles.

Soups & Stews using plant-based beefy ground

Vegan Cabbage Soup: From Wow, It’s Veggie?! This vegan cabbage soup is so easy and delicious to make! The flavors are so warming and this soup is very hearty for winter.

Ultimate Vegan Chili: From Vegan Huggs: This chili is thick, hearty, and meaty! It’s loaded with veggies, beans, warm spices, and savory homemade tofu meatless crumbles. It’ll keep you cozy and satisfied during those chilly days, too!

Cabbage Roll Soup: From Vegan Yack Attack. Rich in flavor, but with limited ingredients, this cabbage roll soup is sure to satisfy. It makes a wonderful weekday meal, too, because it takes 30 minutes!

“Beefy” Sandwich & Burger Fare

Easy Vegan Philly Cheesesteak: From Wow, It’s Veggie?! This vegan Philly Cheesesteak is so easy and delicious to make and is prepared in the traditional style.

Vegan Sloppy Joes: From Fried Dandelions. Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils will instantly transport you back to your childhood! They’re packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, and make a perfect weeknight dinner!

Beyond Impossible Vegan Burgers and Sliders: From This Wife Cooks. These ultra meaty vegan beef and sausage burgers are made with a combination of Beyond Meat sausage and Impossible Foods ground beef. Perfect for cookouts or tailgating, these 100% plant-based burgers will satisfy even the most hardcore carnivores in the crowd.

Vegan “Beefy” Tacos & nachos

Easy Plant Protein Soft Tacos: It’s easy to make your own tasty plant protein tacos using any of the “beefy” vegan crumbles available these days. Or, you can make your own!

Best Vegan Tempeh Tacos: From Happy Kitchen. Chipotle corn salsa, fresh and zesty tomato pico de gallo, crunchy tacos complete with mouth-watering tempeh taco meat come together and create the BEST vegan tacos you’ll ever have. These tacos boom with the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers, sweet roasted corn, tangy tomato salsa and savory vegan taco meat that will leave you craving more!

“Beefy” Vegan Nachos Grandes: “Beefy” vegan nachos grandes take almost no time to make, and are fantastic party fare or even an emergency dinner. They’re also a great way to convince your skeptical friends to take a walk on the veg side.

… And more

Vegan meat lovers pizza: It might sounds like a contradiction, but made with easy swaps of plant-based proteins and cheese, this meaty pizza will satisfy eaters of all persuasions!

Vegan Burger Salad: From Thyme and Love. Craving a burger, but also a salad? This Vegan Burger Salad is the perfect solution! This salad has all your favorite burger toppings and then the salad is topped with a delicious homemade dressing.

Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl: From The Cheeky Chickpea. Best vegan egg roll in a bowl, with beef-less ground, cabbage, veggies, and a simple Asian sauce. A deconstructed egg roll bowl that’s vegan, delicious and ready in 20 minutes!

Vegan Polish Mistakes – Easy Party Appetizer: From Veggie Inspired. Easy party appetizers served on co*cktail rye toasts with mounds of meat and cheese. And my version is all VEGAN! This is one snack that will please even the carnivores in your life.

Do you like the idea of making your own DIY plant-based beefy crumbles? Here are vegan beef-less ground recipes, four ways.

25+ Awesome Vegan Recipes for Using Plant-Based Ground "Beef" (2024)

FAQs

How to cook plant-based beef? ›

Plant-based meat cooked to medium-rare (125 degrees) is mushy and pasty. On the flip side, cooking plant-based meat until well done (160 degrees) yields meat with an unpleasantly bouncy, chewy texture. We found medium doneness (130 to 135 degrees) to be the sweet spot for tender, juicy meat.

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How do you make vegan meat taste like beef? ›

If you're not actually vegetarian, things like worcestershire, fish sauce, or beef stock can add a lot of that flavor you're looking for without adding meat directly. For actual vegan options: mushrooms, miso, fermented black bean, smoked salt, nutritional yeast, kombu, marmite.

Can I eat as much as I want on a plant-based diet? ›

McDougall, and Rip/Engine 2, and FOK, and all the other plant-based experts who all say harmoniously: “You can eat as much as you want. As long as it's plant foods, especially whole foods close to nature.

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What is used to make plant-based meat taste like meat? ›

Soy protein concentrate and pea protein are common ingredients used to mimic the true taste and texture of real meat. Editor's note: Some plant-based meat options, notably Impossible Foods products, contain GMO soy.

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How do you flavor plant-based meat? ›

Adding Flavor to Plant-Based Meats

Herbs and Spices. The quickest and easiest way to boost flavor in plant-based meat (meatless) dishes is to increase the amount and numbers of herbs and spices in the dish. ...
Vinegar and Mustard. Vinegar is wonderful flavor booster. ...
Aromatics. ...
Beer, Wine, and Spirits.

Jun 1, 2020

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What happens to your body when you start eating plant-based? ›

Plants are high in fiber.

Eating a plant-based diet improves the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation. Fiber can lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar and it's great for good bowel management.

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What is the downside of a plant-based diet? ›

Some studies have shown that those on a plant-based diet are found to have lower plasma vitamin B12 levels and higher levels of vitamin B12 deficiency than those who consume animal products. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in DNA synthesis, and deficiency can lead to anemia and severe neurological dysfunction.

Get More Info Here ›

Can I eat eggs on a plant-based diet? ›

Eggs can and should be part of a plant-based diet, and these five suggestions showcase how easy it is to incorporate the incredible egg into your plant-forward dishes.

What is it called when you are vegan but eat meat? ›

Some people may adhere to diets that are primarily vegan or vegetarian, but may sometimes consume foods that are usually avoided in such diets. The word flexitarian refers to a person whose diet is largely plant-based, but who occasionally eats meat, fish, and poultry.

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What do vegans eat that taste like meat? ›

Tofu: Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made from soybeans and has a texture similar to meat when cooked. It can be seasoned to have a meaty flavor and is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

How do you season plant-based food? ›

Top 15 Spices for Plant-Based Cooking

Italian Seasoning is a mixture of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. ...
Garlic Powder is a must! ...
Onion Powder is another necessity. ...
Paprika (and Smoked Paprika) is made from dried fruits of the chili pepper family.

More items...

Jan 30, 2018

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What is the 80 20 rule diet? ›

The 80/20 rule is a guide for your everyday diet—eat nutritious foods 80 percent of the time and have a serving of your favorite treat with the other 20 percent. For the “80 percent” part of the plan, focus on drinking lots of water and eating nutritious foods that include: Whole grains. Fruits and vegetables.

Why am I so tired on a plant-based diet? ›

The second most common complaint I hear from all plant-based, vegetarian and vegan eaters is they often feel tired and fatigued. The reason this is happening is because when you cut out significant food groups out of your diets, you become at risk for certain nutrient deficiencies.

Can you eat pasta on a plant-based diet? ›

You can eat true 100 percent whole-grain cereals, pasta, and bread and follow a WFPB diet, but you also need to be careful and read labels closely. Foods labeled as multi-grain, made with whole grain and 100 percent wheat are not pure 100 percent whole-grain foods.

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Does plant-based meat need to be cooked? ›

Plant-based burgers should be cooked until reaching an internal temperature of 160ºF as measured with a digital thermometer.