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    Home » Recipes » Lunch & Dinner

    Mar 28, 2023 by Katie

    Tofu Ground Beef

    Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step Photos Watch the Video

    Satisfy your cravings for a meaty texture without sacrificing your plant-based diet with this Tofu Ground Beef recipe. Made from protein-packed vegan tofu crumbles, it's super versatile and can be used as a nutritious meat alternative in all your favorite dishes, from tacos to pasta.

    It's also the base for my Tofu Bolognese recipe which you've got to try- you won't even miss the meat!

    close up of tofu ground beef.
    Jump to:
    • What is ground tofu?
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients & substitution notes
    • How to make tofu ground beef
    • Katie's tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Make ahead options
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • More tofu recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    If you’re looking for a healthy plant-based protein source, this beefless ground beef recipe will give you exactly that with just a few simple ingredients.

    You’ll have a protein-packed recipe on the table that the whole family will love.

    For more tofu recipes check out Indian Tofu Curry or Sticky Tofu.

    What is ground tofu?

    Tofu ground beef is a plant-based protein substitute made by combining crumbled tofu with seasonings and spices to create a texture and flavor similar to ground beef.

    This crumbled tofu is a great alternative for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or for those who are looking to reduce their consumption of meat.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Naturally vegan: This tofu ground beef is made from plant-based ingredients and is one of my favorite meat substitutes.
    • Protein-packed: Tofu is a great source of vegan protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. And when you combine it with other protein-rich ingredients like beans or quinoa, you can create a dish that is even more protein-packed.
    • Versatile: It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, burgers, meatballs, and spaghetti sauce.
    • Easy-to-make: This vegan beef is super quick to whip up.
    • Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving folks who eat a vegan diet or meat eaters, everyone will love this tasty dish.

    Ingredients & substitution notes

    all ingredients needed for making tofu ground beef.
    • Organic tofu: If possible choose firm or extra firm tofu so that it can hold its structure and deliver a “meaty texture”. Make sure all the excess liquid is pressed out so that you can get a good texture to your “meat”. Use a paper towel to dry off your tofu.
    • Soy sauce: Essential for umami flavors and saltiness that occurs naturally in ground meat. Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
    • Corn starch: Gives a more chewy texture. Could be omitted.
    • Paprika powder: Adds a rich color that brings the dish closer to traditional ground beef.
    • Nutritional yeast: Hits those cheesy, “Parmesan” type flavors.
    • Oil: Use neutral-tasting vegetable oils like avocado. Olive oil is a good option too.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How to make tofu ground beef

    Here are the steps to putting together this super simple meatless meat:

    crumbled tofu in a bowl.

    STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Next, press the tofu and get rid of all the excess water. Then crumble the tofu in a large bowl until it resembles the consistency you’re after. Go for small pieces or larger chunks, depending on your preference.

    crumbled seasoned tofu in a bowl.

    STEP 2: Add all the other ingredients and mix through.

    crumbled seasoned tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    STEP 3: Transfer the soy crumbles to a parchment-paper lined baking sheet.

    tofu ground beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    STEP 4: Bake for 20 minutes for a still-soft tofu or 25-30 minutes if you’d prefer a little crispier, chewier texture. The change-up in time delivers different results so keep your eye on the time and work out your preferred cooking process and time.

    Katie's tips

    • Firm Tofu: Use extra firm tofu for a substantial texture.
    • Adjust texture by crumbling into finer or larger pieces and adjust baking time (less for a softer tofu ground beef, longer for a firmer).
    • Use your hands: it’s the easiest way to crumble the tofu. Otherwise, potato masher or fork will do.
    • Taste after 20 minutes and decide if the texture is right or if it needs more time in the oven, adjust the cooking time as needed.
    • Space the “meat” out in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure an even cook.
    • Stir every 10 minutes to bake evenly and avoid certain pieces burning or over-cooking.
    tofu ground beef on a spoon.

    Serving suggestions

    • Tofu Bolognese Sauce: Cook it up with marinara sauce and serve it as a pasta sauce over a steaming bowl off spaghetti. Tofu ground beef is a great addition to a pasta sauce.
    • Stuffed vegetables such as red bell peppers or my Stuffed Acorn Squash.
    • Taco Meat: I love this as a tofu taco meet, you could use it instead of tvp in my TVP Tacos.
    • Meatless Chili: Try using this vegan beef recipe as an alternative to tvp in my Vegetarian Chili Recipe.
    • Meatless Burritos: This is such a great lunch idea and is a vehicle for so many additional ingredients.
    • Lasagna: Use it to make meatless lasagna and serve with a large bright salad for a tasty meal.
    • Shepherd’s Pie: Or create a vegetarian shepherd's pie version.
    • Sloppy Joes: Vegan ground beef sandwich with onions, tomato sauce/ketchup, Worstershire sauce and so on….
    • Omelet: tuck this tasty ground tofu inside an omelet and serve it with chopped tomato, chili and onion. This is such a quick and easy meal.

    Variations

    • Gluten-free: Instead of using soy sauce, which often contains gluten, use tamari sauce, which is a gluten-free alternative.
    • Spicy: To give your tofu ground beef recipe a little kick, add some spicy ingredients like chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
    • Other flavors: If you want to mix up the flavor of your tofu ground beef, try adding different seasonings or herbs, chili powder and cracked black pepper. For another example, you could use Italian seasoning to give your dish a Mediterranean twist.
    close up of tofu ground beef.

    Make ahead options

    These vegan ground beef recipe is meal prep friendly and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. That way you'll have it ready and can cook up some dishes in no time.

    Storage

    • To store: keep your tofu ground beef in an airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.
    • To freeze: theoretically you can freeze your tofu beef but it I don't recommend it since the texture of tofu changes when frozen.
    • To reheat: pop the crumbled tofu onto a sheet pan and into the oven.

    FAQ

    How does the texture and flavor of tofu ground beef compare to traditional ground beef?

    While it does not taste exactly like real ground beef, it still comes pretty close. However, it's a bit less juicy because of the lack of fat.

    Do I need to press my tofu?

    I would recommend it, yes. That way it absorbs the spices better. You won't need a tofu press though, simply use your hands or a heavy object like a cast iron skillet.

    More tofu recipes

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • 3 silken tofu smoothies on a marble plate with a straw inside.
      Silken Tofu Smoothie
    • grid with 4 different silken tofu images: silken tofu chocolate mousse, silken tofu block topped with green onions, salad and vegan cheesecake
      The Best 35 Silken Tofu Recipes (Savory & Sweet)
    • big glass of silken tofu chocolate mousse next to it some cherries
      Silken Tofu Chocolate Mousse

    📖 Recipe

    close up of tofu ground beef.

    Tofu Ground Beef

    Made from flavorful tofu crumbles, this Tofu Ground Beef is perfect for adding a satisfying bite to any dish if you're craving a meaty texture without meat.
    If you love this recipe as much as we do, click on the 5-stars below!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: International
    Servings: 2
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 12 oz firm tofu
    • 3 tablespoon soy sauce *or tamari (gluten-free)
    • 2 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil *sunflower...
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoon paprika powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder *or liquid smoke
    • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 1 teaspoon corn starch *optional, see notes

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Press the tofu. Draining any excess liquid. Then place the tofu on a cutting board and cover it with a layer of paper towels or a clean cloth.
      Place a heavy object, such as a cast-iron skillet on top of the tofu or press down with your hands squeezing out any excess water.
    • Crumble the tofu in a small bowl using your hands. Crumble to desired consistency (you can leave some slightly bigger chunks or crumble it to smaller pieces).
      12 oz firm tofu
    • Add all the other ingredients. Stir until well combined.
      3 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoon paprika powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon corn starch, 2 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
    • Transfer the tofu crumbles to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Bake for 20 minutes for a still soft tofu ground beef or 25-30 minutes for a more firm texture. Stir every couple of minutes to ensure even baking.
    Pssst...You can find detailed step-by step-photos right above this recipe card

    Video

    Notes

    • Use extra firm tofu for a substantial texture.
    • Adjust texture by crumbling into finer or larger pieces and adjust baking time (less for a softer tofu ground beef, longer for a firmer).
    • Taste after 20 minutes and decide if the texture is right or if it needs more time in the oven, adjust the cooking time as needed.
    • Space the “meat” out in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure an even cook.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Sodium: 1518mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1478IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 4mg
    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates.
    Tried this recipe?Leave a rating and comment telling us how you liked it! Or tag @wholefoodsoulfood__kitchen on Instagram so we can admire your creations!

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    katie author of WSK

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