Out of Ground beef, one case
Ground beef substitutes for tacos
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Ground turkey
Same amount as the ground beef
For tacos, the best ground beef substitutes are Ground Turkey, Plant-Based Ground Beef, and Lentils. Use 1:1 ratio and season with taco seasoning for authentic flavor.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- tacos
One casethe full beef base card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ground beef |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground turkeytacos | Same amountWorks |
| 2 | Plant-based ground beefvegan tacos | Same amount |
| 3 | Lentilsvegetarian tacos | 1 cup cooked lentils per 1 lb ground beef |
| 4 | Mushroomsvegetarian tacos | Same amount |
| 5 | Ground chickentacos | Same amount |
Ground turkey
similar taste and texture
Ground turkey is the most popular substitute for ground beef in tacos. It's leaner, healthier, and takes on taco seasoning beautifully. Choose 85/15 or 90/10 fat content for best results.
- Best for
- tacos, burritos, taco salads, when you want healthier option, quick preparation
Ground turkey is leaner than beef, so add a bit of oil when cooking to prevent sticking. It cooks faster than beef.
Plant-based ground beef
very similar
Commercial plant-based ground beef alternatives (like Beyond Meat, Impossible) provide the closest texture and flavor to real beef in tacos. They're good for vegetarian and vegan tacos.
- Best for
- vegan tacos, vegetarian tacos, when you want authentic texture, when avoiding meat
Follow package cooking instructions. Don't overcook as they can become tough. They often have different cooking times than real meat.
Lentils
different but flavorful
Cooked lentils provide excellent protein and texture for vegetarian tacos. They absorb taco seasoning well and work particularly well in recipes where the meat is mixed with other ingredients.
- Best for
- vegetarian tacos, vegan tacos, budget-friendly option, when you want plant-based protein, healthy tacos
- Texture
- different but good
Use brown or green lentils for best texture. Cook until tender but not mushy. They have a different flavor but absorb seasonings well.
Mushrooms
earthy and umami
Finely chopped or ground mushrooms provide meaty texture and umami flavor for vegetarian tacos. They work especially well when combined with other ingredients and seasoned properly.
- Best for
- vegetarian tacos, mushroom-based recipes, when you want earthy flavor, vegan tacos
- 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.
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 in your tacos.
- Best for
- tacos, when you want lighter flavor, healthy tacos, quick preparation
Ground chicken is very lean, so add oil when cooking. It has a milder flavor than beef but takes seasoning well.
How it behaves in this recipe
Tacos require ground meat that can hold together, absorb seasonings well, and provide good texture when cooked. The best substitutes work because they either provide similar texture and flavor, 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
- Season your substitute with taco seasoning for authentic flavor
- When using lentils, cook 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 taco recipes
- Try ground venison or bison for leaner, gamey alternatives
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for ground beef in tacos?
Ground turkey is the best all-around substitute for ground beef in tacos. 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 in tacos?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground beef in tacos. 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 in tacos?
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 vegetarian tacos.
How do I season ground turkey for tacos?
Season ground turkey the same way you would ground beef. Use taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. The turkey will absorb the flavors well.
Can I use lentils instead of ground beef in tacos?
Yes, cooked lentils work well as a ground beef substitute in tacos, especially vegetarian versions. Use 1 cup cooked lentils for every pound of ground beef called for.