Actually, this vegan ground beef is just as tasty and convenient as store-bought pre-made ground beef, and it’s way cheaper. It can be used in almost any recipe that calls for ground beef, with the exception of burger patties. It simply won’t bind together. But this stuff will shine in any application involving crumbled beef!
The possibilities are pretty endless and you can really let your imagination run wild! It’s a really simple recipe too, but let’s go over a few things to make it as easy as possible. I’ve been enjoying it all week in tacos, pasta, over rice, and of course in sloppy joes.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The best (and easiest) vegan ground beef recipe around!
- A fantastic way to start eating more tofu, especially if you don’t like it.
- uses straightforward components that are available in most grocery stores.
- You can eat and enjoy this vegan tofu recipe in a variety of ways.
- Make it in the oven or the air fryer!
- Tofu cooks up with a nice, enjoyable meaty texture.
Ingredients You Need
Tofu and some pantry staples are all you need to make tofu ground beef. See the recipe card further down the page for the complete list and quantities.
- Extra-firm tofu is the best choice for giving the cooked tofu and ground beef mixture a “meat-like” texture. If purchasing tofu confounds you, I’ve created a Guide to Buying Tofu that lists the various types of tofu and their applications. Try not to use silken tofu in this recipe; it won’t turn out well.
TOP TIP: Find out how long tofu lasts after purchase and the best methods for storing it to make it last longer!
- Tofu crumbles, which are largely flavorless, are given an umami flavor boost by soy sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The olive oil contributes some good fats and aids in browning the cooked ground meat tofu. You can easily substitute it with any healthy oil.
- Smoked paprika: I prefer using the smoked variety of paprika in recipes to add a little more umami flavor, but regular paprika will also add flavor but won’t have the smokiness.
- Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast gives the cooked tofu crumbles a cheesy, umami flavor.
TOP TIP: Here are a few more suggestions for recipes using nutritional yeast if you’re unsure of how to use it. Try out these vegan baked southwest corn salad, tofu fajitas, tofu bolognese, and stuffed sweet potatoes.
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast, a supplement used frequently in vegan cooking, is the same type of yeast used in baking bread and brewing beer, but it has been specially grown to be used as a food additive.
In contrast to bread and brewer’s yeast, which is alive, the manufacturing process actually kills the yeast cells.
When used in cooking, nutritional yeast gives vegan food a cheese-like, umami flavor. I frequently substitute it for cheese and add it to all kinds of food to enhance the flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- To make gluten-free tofu crumbles, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
- Plant-based Whole30 tofu beef: Use coconut aminos instead. The flavor is a bit sweeter but still tastes great.
- Any healthy oil will do, but try to use olive oil whenever possible because it enhances flavor, texture, and browning. I’ve also had great success with coconut oil and avocado oil.
- Italian: Combine the other seasonings with one teaspoon of the Italian seasoning.
- To achieve the desired level of taco flavor, add one to two teaspoons.
- Cayenne pepper or red chili flakes are spicy options.
- Use Frugal Nutrition’s homemade Italian sausage seasoning blend to make Italian sausage tofu crumble. It’s terrific to add to tomato sauce.
TOP TIP: If you substitute something else for the soy sauce, you might need to season the crumbles with salt. Before adding the marinade to the tofu, I advise tasting it.
How to Make Tofu Ground Beef
Tofu is first given flavoring before being given a texture resembling ground beef to make vegan ground beef.
The seasonings help the tofu take on color and flavor, and the oven’s job is to slightly dry it out and give it a texture similar to that of meat.
- Take the tofu block out of the package, then drain any extra liquid. In a large bowl, shred the tofu into small pieces of various sizes.
- Make a paste in a small bowl by combining the nutritional yeast, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. As you mix it with a spoon to cover all of the tofu, add it.
- On a baking sheet pan that has been generously sprayed with spray oil or oiled On the sheet pan, the tofu cooks most effectively when spread evenly.
- Place the tofu in the oven to cook. Make sure to return often and toss the tofu around the pan Tofu will be browned and somewhat crispy when it’s ready.
TOP TIP: The amount of moisture in your tofu, the size of your pieces, and your oven will all affect how long it takes to cook. For me, it usually takes about 30 minutes.
Make Tofu Crumbles in the Air Fryer
You can easily make this recipe in the air fryer if you share my love for air fryers.
- According to the recipe card’s instructions, crumble and add the seasoning.
- If at all possible, spread the tofu out in the air fryer basket without the grate.
- Cook at 325° F for 15 minutes without a preheat. Every five minutes, turn the air fryer on and move the crumbles around.
NOTE: Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. I was able to cook one recipe in my Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer 5.7 liter easily.
How to Store
I strongly advise slightly undercooking the tofu ground beef if you are cooking for meal preparation or leftovers. That way when you reheat it’s not overcooked.
- Refrigerator: For up to five days, keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Place the crumbled tofu back on a baking sheet or pan, and bake at 325° F for 6 to 8 minutes, or until heated all the way through. You can also reheat for 3 to 5 minutes in the air fryer.
Can I freeze tofu ground beef?
You can, but when tofu is frozen, its texture changes a little. After being frozen, I find that it makes the tofu a little bit firmer and porous. Store them in the freezer for up to three months.
If they are frozen or thawed, reheat them in the oven until thoroughly heated. If frozen, you might need to add a few minutes to the time.
How to Serve Tofu Crumbles
This type of tofu, in my opinion, really shines in dishes like pasta sauce or perhaps even a hearty stew or soup like chili. Here are some ideas for serving up meatless ground beef:
- Choose extra firm tofu for the best texture. Just be sure to squeeze it a little (or even take the time to press it) to get some of the excess moisture out if you must make plant-based ground beef in a pinch. To achieve a firmer consistency, it might also need to cook for longer.
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning. I don’t advise getting rid of any of the spices because they all serve a purpose and add to the flavor. Check the alternatives listed above for ideas I have used and can vouch for.
- Bake in the oven for the best texture. This can be prepared on the stovetop, but the results will not be the same.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the texture desired. For a less crispy texture, simply cook for less time.
- Use a large enough pan to cook the tofu. It needs a bit of room to spread out. Tofu cooks more quickly and more effectively the more evenly it is spread out on the pan.
This recipe isn’t at all spicy and is suitable for all ages and palates if you make it with the sweet paprika variety of smoked paprika and mild chili powder.
You can, but I found the tofu ground beef’s final texture to be less firm than what I prefer for vegan ground beef. The flavor was good, but it didn’t become as firm as I prefer it to be. Additionally, preparing them on the stovetop doesn’t actually save any time. It still takes about 20 minutes to cook. To prepare food on a stove, warm up a pan of oil. Add the tofu crumbles and flavorings to the pan. Stirring frequently, cook for 20 to 25 minutes on medium heat after combining everything.
No, it’s not necessary. Some recipes call for pressing it, but I don’t think it’s necessary when using this technique. If you choose to press it, you might want to slightly shorten the cooking period since there won’t be as much moisture to cook out.
Discover More Delicious Tofu Recipes
If you try this recipe, please give it a star rating in the recipe card directly below, or leave a comment; I always value your opinions. Also, don’t forget to mention me on social media by using the handle @cookeatlivelove so I can see your creations.
Easy Tofu Ground Beef (Tofu Crumbles)
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- Preheat oven to 400° F or 200° C .
- Open tofu package and drain off water. Place it in a strainer and let it sit while you prepare the marinade.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients to make a paste.
- Once tofu has drained, crumble it up into small pieces.
- Tofu and paste should be combined until the tofu is completely coated.
- Use non-stick spray or a light oil brush to coat a baking sheet.
- Spread the tofu out evenly and bake it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook tofu for 25-30 minutes. Stirring to move the tofu around on the pan approximately every ten minutes After 20 minutes, keep a close eye on it because it might cook more quickly than expected and you don’t want it to burn. Cook it longer for a crispier texture.
- Choose extra firm tofu for the best texture. Just be sure to squeeze it a little (or even take the time to press it) to get some of the excess moisture out if you must make plant-based ground beef in a pinch. To achieve a firmer consistency, it might also need to cook for longer.
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning. I don’t advise getting rid of any of the spices because they all serve a purpose and add to the flavor. Check the alternatives listed above for ideas I have used and can vouch for.
- Bake in the oven for the best texture. This can be prepared on the stovetop, but the results will not be the same.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the texture desired. For a less crispy texture, simply cook for less time.
- Use a large enough pan to cook the tofu. It needs a bit of room to spread out. The quicker and more evenly the tofu cooks on the pan.
The nutritional values were generated by an online calculator and should only be used as a rough estimate.
How to Turn Tofu into Vegan GROUND BEEF!
FAQ
How do you get tofu to taste like meat?
You can transform vegetable broth into a hearty, flavorful “beef” broth by adding ingredients like tamari, soy sauce, Bragg’s Aminos or vegan Worcestershire sauce, red wine or red wine vinegar, and black pepper.
How do you make soy taste like beef?
What Does Tofu Taste Like? Plain tofu is actually quite bland and lacks any discernible flavor. This may be the reason why most people dislike it, but the blandness is precisely the reason we should adore it. Tofu’s texture, which varies depending on its variety, is more important than its flavor.
Does tofu taste like beef?
To make firm tofu have the consistency of scrambled eggs, simply press it between your fingers and smash it with your hands. Then add your preferred cooked vegetables and season with tumeric, black pepper, garlic powder, black salt (or sea salt or Tamari for an “eggy” flavor).