Out of Ground beef, one case
Vegan ground beef substitutes: plant-based options
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Plant-based ground beef
Same amount as the ground beef
The best vegan ground beef substitutes are Plant-Based Ground Beef, Lentils, and Mushrooms. Use 1:1 ratio for plant-based options, 1 cup cooked lentils = 1 lb beef, and 1 lb mushrooms = 1 lb beef.
- Best for —
- burgers
One casethe full beef base card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ground beef |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plant-based ground beefburgers | Same amount |
| 2 | Lentilsvegetarian chili | 1 cup cooked lentils per 1 lb ground beef |
| 3 | Mushroomsvegetarian dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Walnuts + mushroomsmeatballs | ½ cup walnuts + ½ lb mushrooms per 1 lb ground beef |
| 5 | Tempehtacos | Same amount |
Plant-based ground beef
very similar
Commercial plant-based ground beef alternatives (like Beyond Meat, Impossible, or Gardein) provide the closest texture and flavor to real beef. They're designed to mimic the cooking and eating experience of ground beef.
- Best for
- burgers, tacos, pasta sauces, meatballs, when you want authentic texture
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 vegan dishes. They absorb flavors well and work particularly well in recipes where the meat is mixed with other ingredients.
- Best for
- vegetarian chili, pasta sauces, stuffed vegetables, budget-friendly option, when you want plant-based protein
- 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. They work especially well in vegetarian dishes and add earthy depth that mimics meat.
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, mushroom-based recipes, when you want earthy flavor, stuffed vegetables, pasta sauces
- 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.
Walnuts + mushrooms
rich and earthy · similar texture
A combination of finely chopped walnuts and mushrooms creates a rich, meaty texture with good protein content. The walnuts add fat and texture while mushrooms provide umami flavor.
- Best for
- meatballs, meatloaf, when you want rich texture, pasta sauces, stuffed vegetables
Pulse walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped. Cook mushrooms down first to remove moisture, then combine with walnuts.
Tempeh
nutty
Crumbled tempeh provides excellent protein and texture for vegan dishes. It has a nutty flavor and firm texture that works well in many recipes.
- Best for
- tacos, stir-fries, when you want firm texture, Asian dishes, pasta sauces
- Texture
- firm
Crumble tempeh with your hands or pulse in a food processor. Cook until golden brown for best flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan ground beef substitutes need to provide protein, texture, and flavor without any animal products. The best options work because they either mimic the texture and flavor of real beef, or provide comparable nutritional value and cooking properties.
Tips for substituting ground beef
5 tips- For plant-based options, follow package instructions and don't overcook
- When using lentils, cook until tender but not mushy for best texture
- Mushrooms need to be cooked down to remove excess moisture before using
- Combine different substitutes (like lentils + mushrooms) for more complex flavor
- Taste and adjust seasonings after substitution, as plant-based options often need more seasoning
Notes on ground beef
- Mix different substitutes (like half lentils, half mushrooms) for more complex flavor
- Use ground seitan for a chewy, meat-like texture
- Consider using crumbled tofu for certain recipes
- Try ground jackfruit for a unique texture in specific dishes
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for ground beef?
Plant-based ground beef alternatives (like Beyond Meat or Impossible) provide the closest texture and flavor to real beef. For budget-friendly options, lentils and mushrooms work well in many recipes.
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.
How do I make mushrooms taste like ground beef?
Finely chop or pulse mushrooms in a food processor, then cook them down to remove excess moisture. Add seasonings like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or nutritional yeast for more meaty flavor.
What's the best plant-based meat for burgers?
Commercial plant-based ground beef alternatives work best for burgers because they're designed to mimic the texture and cooking properties of real beef. Follow package instructions for best results.
Can I use tofu instead of ground beef?
Yes, but crumbled tofu works better than ground beef in most recipes. Press the tofu first to remove excess moisture, then crumble and cook until golden brown.