Whether using Beyond, Impossible, other vegan products, or DIY options, this roundup of hearty vegan recipes using plant-based ground “beef” presents a slew of tempting options. With so many meaty vegan ground alternatives on the market, there’s absolutely no reason to use the animal product.
Switching to plant-based foods is one of the single best ways to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s also kinder to animals and your heart.
Explore these delicious recipes for using plant-based ground from around the web. Some use packaged plant-based ground products; other are DIY using tempeh and other protein foods. Thanks to the creative bloggers who participated in this roundup for permission to feature links to their recipes and photos.
Plant-based ground options
There are lots of options on the market these days, including Beyond, Impossible, Gardein, Lightlife, Plant Pure, and others. Look for them in well-stocked supermarkets and natural foods stores.
For a spicier effect in some of these recipes you can also choose plant-based chorizo; No Evil makes great El Zapatista Chorizo.
Or, if you’re a DIY kind of cook, you can easily make your own vegan beef-less ground using whole foodslike nuts, quinoa, mushrooms, and more.
Casseroles using plant-based ground
Classic Vegan Meatloaf: For those who long for Mom’s classic recipe, this vegan meatloaf may be better than the real thing, for lots of reasons! Our most popular recipe.
Vegan Hotdish: AKA tater tot casserole, this recipe turns the original, traditional Minnesota casserole into something more wholesome, but still freaking delicious.
Vegan Chili Mac Casserole: From This Wife Cooks. The classic chili Mac made with all plant-based ingredients!
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: From Vegan Huggs. This is pure comfort in every bite! The filling combines mushrooms, ground walnuts, grated carrots, and onions for a meaty mince that is savory and satisfying.
Vegan Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: Another take on shepherd’s pie, this sweet potato variation is a perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas main dish, but you need not wait for a holiday to enjoy it.
Classic Lasagna:From This Wife Cooks. Get ready to impress your guests with this robust crowd-pleasing lasagna casserole! 100% vegan meat sauce made with meatless ground beef and Italian sausage is layered with traditional lasagna noodles, dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese for a hearty and delicious spin on the comfort food classic!
Vegan Moussaka: Beth Williams contributes this big, hearty vegan moussaka, made with Beyond® Beef Plant-Based Ground. It holds its own against the classic version served in tavernas all over Greece.
Stovetop fare with plant-based ground:
Pastas, noodles, chili & more
Pasta with Vegan Bolognese Sauce: The meaty tomato-based sauce in classic pasta Bolognese is so easy make vegan using your favorite plant-based ground or homemade crumbles made with whole foods.
can be made with beefy plant-based ground that you spice up, or going straight to a spicy plant-based chorizo. You can also go full on DIY with a homemade plant-based ground using whole foods.
Vegan Chili Mac: The hearty dish known as “chili mac” is just what it sounds like — a cross between chili and macaroni and cheese. Also known as Cincinnati chili mac, it’s easy to make a vegan chili mac by using plant-based ground and vegan cheese.
Vegan Beefy Pasta Skillet: One of those carb-laden classic recipes that’s so comforting, this vegan beefy pasta skillet is part cheeseburger macaroni, kind of hamburger helper-ish, and all plant-based.
Quick Vegan Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Making these vegan chili-stuffed sweet potatoes is a quick route to a satisfying dinner. As an occasional alternative to plant-based ground, this recipe gives you the option of using quinoa.
Easy Vegan One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: From Delightful Adventures. Tacos and pasta join forces in this easy, family-friendly dish you can make in your Instant Pot or on the stove top. Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy vegan dinner idea everyone will love!
Vegan Picadillo (Tempeh & Lentil): From Running to the Kitchen, here’s a plant based version of this traditional Cuban recipe made with tempeh, lentils and potatoes. It’s packed with big flavors from Spanish olives, capers, raisins and spices in a hearty tomato base. Perfect served over rice, cauliflower rice, a bed of greens or zoodles.
Vegan Picadillo (Beyond Beef): From Plant-Based and Broke, Puerto Rican-style picadillo is so meaty, yet vegan. It’s simmered in Latin flavors including sazon, sofrito, and tomato sauce.
Vegan Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy: From This Wife Cooks, a simple and satisfying, old school stick-to-your-ribs dinner!
Vegan Bolognese Sauce: From Vegan Huggs. Rich, bold and savory, this Vegan Bolognese is reminiscent of the Italian classic we all love. The filling combines mushrooms, ground walnuts, grated carrots, and onions for a meaty mince that is hearty and satisfying!
Vegan Goulash: From Zardy Plants. This lush and cozy Vegan Goulash is a tasty bowl of pasta, veggies, and beef alternative. It’s easy to make in one pot in less than 30 minutes and has very simple ingredients. It’s also ridiculously delicious and will please the whole family, even picky eaters, young or young-at-heart!
Soups & Stews using plant-based beefy ground
Vegan Cabbage Soup: From Wow, It’s Veggie?! This vegan cabbage soup is so easy and delicious to make! The flavors are so warming and this soup is very hearty for winter.
Ultimate Vegan Chili: From Vegan Huggs: This chili is thick, hearty, and meaty! It’s loaded with veggies, beans, warm spices, and savory homemade tofu meatless crumbles. It’ll keep you cozy and satisfied during those chilly days, too!
Cabbage Roll Soup: From Vegan Yack Attack. Rich in flavor, but with limited ingredients, this cabbage roll soup is sure to satisfy. It makes a wonderful weekday meal, too, because it takes 30 minutes!
“Beefy” Sandwich & Burger Fare
Easy Vegan Philly Cheesesteak: From Wow, It’s Veggie?! This vegan Philly Cheesesteak is so easy and delicious to make and is prepared in the traditional style.
Vegan Sloppy Joes: From Fried Dandelions. Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils will instantly transport you back to your childhood! They’re packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, and make a perfect weeknight dinner!
Beyond Impossible Vegan Burgers and Sliders: From This Wife Cooks. These ultra meaty vegan beef and sausage burgers are made with a combination of Beyond Meat sausage and Impossible Foods ground beef. Perfect for cookouts or tailgating, these 100% plant-based burgers will satisfy even the most hardcore carnivores in the crowd.
Vegan “Beefy” Tacos & nachos
Easy Plant Protein Soft Tacos: It’s easy to make your own tasty plant protein tacos using any of the “beefy” vegan crumbles available these days. Or, you can make your own!
Best Vegan Tempeh Tacos: From Happy Kitchen. Chipotle corn salsa, fresh and zesty tomato pico de gallo, crunchy tacos complete with mouth-watering tempeh taco meat come together and create the BEST vegan tacos you’ll ever have. These tacos boom with the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers, sweet roasted corn, tangy tomato salsa and savory vegan taco meat that will leave you craving more!
“Beefy” Vegan Nachos Grandes: “Beefy” vegan nachos grandes take almost no time to make, and are fantastic party fare or even an emergency dinner. They’re also a great way to convince your skeptical friends to take a walk on the veg side.
… And more
Vegan meat lovers pizza: It might sounds like a contradiction, but made with easy swaps of plant-based proteins and cheese, this meaty pizza will satisfy eaters of all persuasions!
Vegan Burger Salad: From Thyme and Love. Craving a burger, but also a salad? This Vegan Burger Salad is the perfect solution! This salad has all your favorite burger toppings and then the salad is topped with a delicious homemade dressing.
Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl: From The Cheeky Chickpea. Best vegan egg roll in a bowl, with beef-less ground, cabbage, veggies, and a simple Asian sauce. A deconstructed egg roll bowl that’s vegan, delicious and ready in 20 minutes!
Vegan Polish Mistakes – Easy Party Appetizer: From Veggie Inspired. Easy party appetizers served on co*cktail rye toasts with mounds of meat and cheese. And my version is all VEGAN! This is one snack that will please even the carnivores in your life.
Do you like the idea of making your own DIY plant-based beefy crumbles? Here are vegan beef-less ground recipes, four ways.
