Out of Ground beef, one case
Ground beef substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Ground turkey
Same amount as the ground beef
The best ground beef substitutes are Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, and Plant-Based Ground Beef. Use 1:1 ratio and adjust cooking time and seasonings for optimal results.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- burgers
One casethe full beef base card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ground beef |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground turkeyburgers | Same amountWorks |
| 2 | Ground chickenmeatballs | Same amount |
| 3 | Plant-based ground beefburgers | Same amount |
| 4 | Lentilsvegetarian chili | 1 cup cooked lentils per 1 lb ground beefYou'll taste it |
| 5 | Mushroomsvegetarian dishes | Same amount |
Ground turkey
similar taste and texture
Ground turkey is the most popular substitute for ground beef. It's leaner, healthier, and works well in most recipes. Choose 85/15 or 90/10 fat content for best results.
- Best for
- burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, tacos, pasta sauces, chili
Ground turkey is leaner than beef, so add a bit of oil when cooking to prevent sticking. It cooks faster than beef.
Ground chicken
lighter · similar texture
Ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to ground beef with similar texture. It's good for when you want a milder flavor profile.
- Best for
- meatballs, meatloaf, stir-fries, when you want lighter flavor, Asian dishes
Ground chicken is very lean, so add oil when cooking. It has a milder flavor than beef.
Plant-based ground beef
very similar
Plant-based ground beef alternatives (like Beyond Meat, Impossible) provide the closest texture and flavor to real beef. Good for vegetarian and vegan cooking.
- Best for
- burgers, tacos, pasta sauces, when avoiding meat, vegan cooking
Plant-based options often have different cooking times. Follow package instructions and don't overcook.
Lentils
different taste and texture
Cooked lentils provide excellent texture and protein for vegetarian dishes. They work particularly well in recipes where the meat is mixed with other ingredients.
- Best for
- vegetarian chili, pasta sauces, stuffed vegetables, when you want plant-based protein, budget-friendly option
Lentils have a different texture but absorb flavors well. Use brown or green lentils for best results.
Mushrooms
earthy
Finely chopped or ground mushrooms provide meaty texture and umami flavor. They work especially well in vegetarian dishes and add earthy depth.
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, mushroom-based recipes, when you want earthy flavor, stuffed vegetables
- Texture
- similar when finely chopped
Mushrooms release water when cooked, so cook them down first to remove excess moisture. Use a mix of mushroom types for best flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Ground beef provides protein, texture, and flavor to dishes. The best substitutes work because they either provide similar protein content and texture, or can be enhanced with seasonings to achieve comparable results.
Tips for substituting ground beef
5 tips- For leaner substitutes like turkey or chicken, add oil when cooking to prevent sticking
- Plant-based options often cook faster than real meat - don't overcook them
- When using lentils, cook them until tender but not mushy for best texture
- Mushrooms need to be cooked down to remove excess moisture before using
- Taste and adjust seasonings after substitution, as different proteins have varying flavor profiles
Notes on ground beef
- Mix different substitutes (like half turkey, half mushrooms) for more complex flavor
- Use ground pork or lamb for different flavor profiles while maintaining similar texture
- Consider using crumbled tofu for vegetarian options in certain recipes
- Try ground venison or bison for leaner, gamey alternatives
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey is the best all-around substitute for ground beef. It has similar texture and flavor while being leaner and healthier. Use 85/15 or 90/10 fat content for best results.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground beef in most recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio and add a bit of oil when cooking since it's leaner than beef.
What's the best vegetarian substitute for ground beef?
Plant-based ground beef alternatives (like Beyond Meat or Impossible) provide the closest texture and flavor to real beef. Lentils and mushrooms are also excellent options for specific recipes.
How do I cook ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Cook ground turkey the same way as ground beef, but add a bit of oil to prevent sticking since it's leaner. It also cooks slightly faster than beef.
Can I use lentils instead of ground beef?
Yes, cooked lentils work well as a ground beef substitute in many recipes, especially vegetarian dishes. Use 1 cup cooked lentils for every pound of ground beef called for.