Vegan Ground Beef Tacos
Classic vegan ground beef tacos with hard shells are an absolute delight, offering a rich, savory flavor that even meat lovers can’t resist. Loaded with wholesome plant-based goodness, these tacos are a fantastic option for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings without compromising on taste. The texture of the vegan crumbles mimics traditional ground beef, providing that hearty bite that makes tacos so satisfying. As you take a bite, you’ll encounter a delightful crunch from the corn shells, perfectly complementing the savory filling, fresh toppings, and zesty sauces.
Table of Contents
The first time I prepared these vegan ground beef tacos, I was completely hooked! Friends who were staunch omnivores were pleasantly surprised by how delicious and filling they were. While they’re perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, they also shine at casual gatherings where everyone’s looking for something tasty yet simple to assemble. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just looking for a quick meal to pull together, you’ll find these tacos to be a welcoming addition to your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 50 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Every bite bursts with spices and savory goodness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Colorful toppings make your plate pop.
- Flexible Serving: Great for parties, snacks, or a hearty dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan, plus gluten-free if you use corn tortillas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (14 oz.) package plant-based beef-less ground crumbles: This is the star of the show! It brings a meaty texture while being completely plant-based. Look for brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the crumbles. You can substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: A spice blend that adds depth and warmth. You can use homemade or store-bought; just be sure it suits your taste preference.
- ¼ cup organic vegetable stock + 2 tablespoons: Keeps the filling moist and adds more flavor. Feel free to use low-sodium stock for healthier options.
- 8 corn shells or tortillas, warm slightly: Corn shells are traditional and add a delightful crunch. If you prefer, flour tortillas work well too.
- Shredded lettuce: Fresh greens add a nice crunch. Substitute with your favorite greens like kale or arugula.
- Shredded Mexican vegan cheese shreds: These bring a melty, creamy texture; go for your favorite flavor.
- Pico de gallo: Fresh salsa that adds brightness to your tacos. You can whip up a batch or use store-bought.
- Salsa verde: Adds a tangy zip; opt for homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Guacamole: Creamy and delicious, it balances out the spices. Homemade guacamole is always best!
- Vegan sour cream: For a creamy finish; plain vegan yogurt is a great substitute.
How to Make Vegan Ground Beef Tacos
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Wait until it’s heated before proceeding.
- Cook the Crumbles: Add the 14 oz. package of plant-based beef-less ground crumbles to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break them up, stirring constantly until they resemble ground meat.
- Add Flavor: Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and pour in ¼ cup of organic vegetable stock. Stir until everything is well combined and the crumbles are evenly coated in the seasoning.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. If it looks too dry, add additional vegetable stock, ¼ cup at a time, until the desired moistness is achieved.
- Assemble Tacos: When ready, remove the skillet from heat. Begin assembling your tacos by placing the meat crumbles into each warm corn shell or tortilla. Add shredded lettuce, salsa verde, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded vegan cheese, and a dollop of vegan sour cream on top as desired.
- Enjoy: Repeat until you’ve made enough tacos for everyone. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, robust yet refreshing!
Storing & Reheating
Leftover vegan ground beef tacos can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, transfer any additional filling to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you have any unused taco shells, they can be stored in a cool, dry place. For freezing, place the filling in a freezer-safe container, making sure to use it within 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The texture may change slightly, so consider adding a splash of vegetable stock to refresh it before serving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the crumbles; this helps them brown nicely.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning; some taco seasonings can be more intense than others.
- If using store-bought taco seasoning, watch for added salt; adjust the vegetable stock accordingly.
- Want extra crunch? Baked tortilla chips are a delightful addition for dipping!
- Feel free to experiment with toppings; think pineapple salsa, black beans, or pickled jalapeños for a kick.
It’s truly fulfilling to create and enjoy these vegan ground beef tacos. Not only are they delicious and easy to make, but they also cater to a variety of dietary preferences. By customizing them with your favorite toppings, you can make them feel entirely unique to your taste. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
Recipe FAQs
How can I make the tacos spicier?
To kick up the heat, consider adding pickled jalapeños or spicy salsa to your toppings. You could also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the meat crumbles while they cook.
Can I use lentils instead of plant-based crumbles?
Absolutely! Cooked lentils can be a fantastic substitute. Just season them generously with taco spices and adjust the vegetable stock accordingly for moisture.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas, you can enjoy these tacos without worry. Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Certainly! The vegan meat filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat and assemble your tacos.
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Vegan Ground Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Ground Beef Tacos are bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, featuring plant-based crumbles, fresh toppings, and a delightful crunch. Perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying snack!
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) package plant-based beef-less ground crumbles
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsps taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup organic vegetable stock + 2 tbsps
- 8 corn shells or tortillas, warm slightly
- shredded lettuce (you can substitute with your fave greens)
- shredded mexican vegan cheese shreds (you can substitute with your fave flavor of cheese shreds)
- pico de gallo (make your own using my pico de gallo recipe)
- salsa verde
- guacamole (make your own using my guacamole recipe)
- vegan sour cream (you can also use plain vegan yogurt)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the plant-based meat crumbles and break them up with a wooden spoon, stirring until they resemble ground meat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and vegetable stock until well combined, ensuring the meat is fully covered.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, allowing the crumbles to cook in the sauce for 15-20 minutes. Add more stock if necessary to maintain moisture without making it too saucy.
- Remove from heat once cooked through.
Notes
Feel free to customize toppings to your taste with different greens and cheese alternatives.
Keep an eye on the moisture level of the filling and adjust with vegetable stock as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
