Ground Beef Substitutes for Tacos: Complete Guide
Find the best substitutes for ground beef in taco recipes. Learn which alternatives work best for tacos and how to season them for authentic flavor.
Quick Answer
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.
Best Substitutes
Ground Turkey
1:1Ground 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:
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
1:1Commercial plant-based ground beef alternatives (like Beyond Meat, Impossible) provide the closest texture and flavor to real beef in tacos. They're perfect for vegetarian and vegan tacos.
Best for:
Follow package cooking instructions. Don't overcook as they can become tough. They often have different cooking times than real meat.
Lentils
1 cup cooked lentils = 1 lb ground beefCooked 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:
Use brown or green lentils for best texture. Cook until tender but not mushy. They have a different flavor but absorb seasonings well.
Mushrooms
1 lb mushrooms = 1 lb ground beefFinely 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:
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
1:1Ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to ground beef with similar texture. It's perfect for when you want a milder flavor profile in your tacos.
Best for:
Ground chicken is very lean, so add oil when cooking. It has a milder flavor than beef but takes seasoning well.
Cooking 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What'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.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for ground beef in taco recipes. Learn which alternatives work best for tacos and how to season them for authentic flavor.