From Tacos to Bolognese, the Complete Guide to Meatless Ground Beef (Plus Recipes!)

Ground beef is a staple in many global cuisines. In Mexico, for example, it’s a key ingredient in picadillo, a savory beef hash often used in burritos, enchiladas, and tacos. It also plays an important role in Italian cooking, while in England, it forms the base of cottage pie—a comforting dish made with minced meat, vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes. In the US, ground beef is synonymous with classics like meatloaf and hamburgers.

Best high-protein vegan ground beef: Beyond

This super juicy, ultra-meaty plant-based ground beef from Beyond is packed with savory flavor and umami, while remaining relatively low in saturated fat. In fact, it contains 75 percent less saturated fat than traditional 80/20 ground beef, along with an impressive 21 grams of protein per serving.
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Impossible Foods

Best vegan ground beef for meat-lovers: Impossible Foods

Impossible Foods’ vegan meat is everywhere—you can even find it on the menu at Burger King. But if you want to recreate that signature Whopper flavor at home with your own twist, the brand’s beef grounds are a great option. They pack in 19 grams of protein per serving and, according to Impossible Foods, contain 33 percent less saturated fat than traditional 80/20 ground beef.
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Lightlife

Best lean vegan ground beef: Lightlife

Plant-based brand Lightlife offers not one, but two different types of plant-based ground beef in its Smart Ground range. Available in Original and Mexican flavors, the protein-packed crumbles are versatile enough for everything from tacos and burritos to pasta sauces, chili, and stuffed peppers. The Original variety contains 11 grams of protein per serving, while the Mexican flavor packs 10 grams. Both are also completely free from saturated fat.
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Best freezer staple: Gardein

Gardein calls its beef alternative “B’ef.” Made with textured soy protein, it features in several of the Canadian brand’s products, including its Be’f Burgers. But if you’d rather make your own patties—or whip up a spaghetti Bolognese, tacos, or chili—the brand also offers versatile Ground Be’f crumbles.
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Best whole food vegan ground beef: Abbot’s

Abbot’s Butcher prides itself on creating plant-based meat alternatives free from soy, gluten, gums, artificial and natural flavors, canola oil, and methylcellulose. Instead, the brand focuses on high-quality, whole-food ingredients. Its Ground “Beef,” for example, is made with pea protein, porcini mushrooms, and a flavorful blend of vegetables and spices. It’s also packed with nutrition, offering 18 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving.
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Best minimally processed ground beef: Noble Plate

If you’re looking for a minimally processed, meatless ground beef option, Noble Plate has you covered. Designed to replace ground meat in everything from tacos to lasagna, these gluten-free, soy-free crumbles are made with just one ingredient: non-GMO pea protein.
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Best soy-free ground beef: Rollingreens Salt & Pepper Protein

Not everyone likes—or can tolerate—soy. While there are a few soy-free options on this list, one of the best and most versatile has to be Rollingreens ’ Salt & Pepper Protein. Created by chefs, these savory crumbles are packed with umami flavor, gluten-free, and a good source of protein, making them ideal for everything from tacos to grain bowls and pasta dishes.
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The best vegan ground beef recipes

Whether you’ve grabbed some from the grocery store or you’ve whipped it up from scratch, once you’ve got your ground beef, the next part is deciding how you’re going to enjoy it. If you’re looking for inspiration, good news: you’ve found it. Here are some of our top meatless ground beef recipes.

Brian Watson

1 Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is much-loved, but it’s not vegan. So don’t miss out, and make it from home! Grab some vegan ground beef, beans, and your favorite tortillas for the ultimate crowd-pleasing fakeaway night.
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Dustin Harder

2 Cheeseburger Tater Tots With Cashew Cheddar Sauce

You could use your ground beef to make cheeseburgers, and that would undeniably be tasty. But you could also take it one step further and, instead, layer up some tater tots with the ground beef, and add your own cheesy vegan cheddar sauce. Divine.
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Chris Shoebridge

3 Spaghetti Bolognese

If it’s midweek comfort you’re after, classic spaghetti bolognese with meatless ground beef hits the spot every time. It’s so easy and quick to make. Pro tip: for extra comfort, serve with garlic bread.
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Candice Hutchings

4 Crunchy Chalupa Naan Tacos With Avocado-Ranch

Chalupa naan tacos filled with vegan ground beef and topped with your favorite vegan cheese are already delicious. But if you want to take your recipe to the next level, you won’t regret adding this zesty avocado-ranch sauce.
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Nico Vera

5 Beef Empanadas

The perfect portion size for a tasty, filling lunch, try these delicious vegan beefy empanadas with onions, garlic, and currants. And, for an extra spicy kick, serve with homemade aji verde.
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Leinana Two Moons

6 Plant-Based Turkish Pizza (Lahmacun)

Lahmacun is a type of Turkish pizza that typically consists of flatbread loaded with spiced ground meat and vegetables. It’s easy to make a tasty plant-based version with plant-based crumbles. It’s just as aromatic and flavor-packed, especially when the plant-based ground meat is combined with ingredients like jalapeños, sweet paprika, garlic, and ground cinnamon.
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Like A Vegan

7 Vegan Roast With Hazelnut Cranberry Stuffing

Bookmark this vegan roast for your next winter or holiday feast. Made with a combination of vegan ground beef, garlic, mixed herbs, salt, and breadcrumbs, it’s hearty, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make. Make sure to serve with plenty of roasted vegetables and gravy.
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