Shake up Your Diet With These Delectable Plant-Based Ground Beef Alternatives and Recipes

While there are plenty of frozen boxed meals you could still enjoy or recipes with creative protein sources for vegans, you might want to give plant-based ground beef a try this week. The consistency and aroma may surprise you as much as the taste.

If you're someone who turned to a plant-based lifestyle but still crave that beef-y flavor, recreate your favorite childhood casserole or the soups that warmed your bones in the winter. Use these beloved plant-based beef alternatives and recipes to easily diversify your diet.

These are some of the most popular plant-based ground beef products. Read about the pros and cons of each option before adding one to your grocery list.

Researchers with Statista found that 30 percent of consumers who prefer plant-based beef rely on the Impossible brand. It’s a sustainable alternative to ground beef because it uses soy leghemoglobin. It also contains essential minerals like vitamin D, calcium, and iron, per the Impossible website.

It’s worth noting that some researchers have raised concerns regarding eating soy leghemoglobin in the long term. A safety review by Trends in Food Science & Technology notes that specific types of soy can contain toxins, but the extent of damage with long-term dietary usage is unknown.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did approve soy leghemoglobin as a food coloring additive, so it’s safe for consumption. Moderation is the key to making any dietary addition healthier.

People love Beyond Beef so much that the company reports 93 percent of consumers are enjoying the product even though they don’t eat a vegan diet, per CNBC. The flavor and texture have been continuously competitive with other plant-based ground beef brands. It’s why you’ll find Beyond Beef in grocery stores and restaurants.

The Beyond website notes that its product contains 35 percent less fat than other plant-based beef options, plus vitamins and minerals. It derives its protein from peas instead of soy.

Although one of the Pennsylvania facilities tested positive for bacteria strains in 2023, according to Bloomberg, the brand is still a beloved plant-based meat worldwide. The FDA’s records show it hasn’t faced any recalls since 2017.

You might not look forward to ground beef recipes because browning the plant-based beef adds extra time to your meal preparation. Gardein’s Be’f Crumbles product removes that challenge. They’re ready to go in a freezer bag, so you just have to warm them up.

The brand’s website notes that one serving has 23 grams of protein plus additional vitamins and minerals. There’s no history of recalls, but consumers should note the product may seem pricey. According to CNBC, the average bag has a $4.79 price tag, per Shop Smart, which is standard for plant-based meats.

Try a few of these recipes once you’ve picked a new plant-based ground beef at your local grocery store. They might bring your favorite meals back to your dinner plate or introduce entirely new flavors.

Grab at least one pound of your preferred alternative beef and prepare for taco night. Whether you like hard or soft shells, this recipe from Loving It Vegan is the perfect meal if you want something spicy and savory.

Ingredients

• 1 pound plant-based beef

• Hard or soft shell tacos

• 1/2 diced white onion

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 15-ounce can of black beans, drained

• 1 jar of your preferred salsa

Instructions

1. Brown your selected beef according to the package’s instructions.

2. Sautee the diced onions in the olive oil until they’re translucent.

3. Combine them and the beef, along with all other ingredients.

4. Spoon into your preferred tacos and enjoy alongside salads or chips and dip.

Plant-based ground beef makes some of the easiest and tastiest vegan meatloaf. Throw this recipe from The Cheeky Chickpea together in under 30 minutes for your next meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)

• 1/2 teaspoon parsley

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cheesy pasta and meat dishes are some of the best comfort foods. Make this easy recipe from The Wimpy Vegetarian this week to enjoy a classic bowl of homemade Hamburger Helper.

Ingredients

• 1 pound plant-based ground beef

• 1 cup of diced yellow onion

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 2 teaspoons oregano

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• 2 cups uncooked pasta noodles in any shape

• 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese

Instructions

Explore the many possibilities plant-based ground beef has to offer in the coming weeks. Try the various brands to see which you like best and use them in popular recipes like these. You’ll easily incorporate them into your diet to maintain your health and vegan lifestyle.