Ground “Beef” Tacos
Prep Time:
15 Minutes
Serves:
4 Servings (8 Tacos)
Cook Time:
20 Minutes
Author
Krystal Roberts
About the Recipe
These vegan ground “beef” tacos are a quick, satisfying weeknight meal packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Store-bought plant-based ground makes the filling easy to prepare, while lettuce, cabbage, pickled onions, cilantro, avocado, and lime add freshness and texture.
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12–16 oz / 340–450 g) package vegan ground beef
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp water or vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Tacos
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- Pickled onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Vegan shredded cheese (optional)
- Diced avocado (optional)
- Your favorite salsa or hot sauce
- Lime wedges
- Pico de gallo
Optional Toppings
- Chipotle Aioli (see my recipe)
- Pico de gallo
- Jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Mexican Corn Salad (see my recipe)
- Diced tomatoes
- Vegan sour cream
Linked Recipes
Preparation
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the vegan ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
Step 2
Add the soy sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne if using, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the water or broth and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spices coat the filling and the liquid reduces. Adjust the seasoning.
Step 3
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until soft and lightly charred.
Step 4
Fill each tortilla with vegan ground beef. Add lettuce, cabbage, pickled onions, cilantro, vegan cheese, avocado, salsa or hot sauce, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
