Vegetarian Ground Beef Tacos (Print Version)
Seasoned vegetarian ground beef with fresh veggies and avocado in warm tortillas
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetarian Filling
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 12 oz vegetarian ground beef substitute (soy-based or pea protein)
05 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 cup water
→ Tacos & Toppings
13 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
17 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
18 - 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
19 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
20 - Lime wedges, to serve
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the vegetarian ground beef substitute, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
04 - Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
05 - Add the water and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly saucy. Remove from heat.
06 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
07 - Spoon the vegetarian filling into each tortilla. Top with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cheese, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
08 - Serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The meat substitute soaks up spices like a dream, creating a texture and flavor profile that even carnivores crave
- Ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day developing the flavors
02 -
- Not all meat substitutes brown the same way, so keep an eye on the texture and adjust cooking time accordingly
- Letting the filling rest for a few minutes off the heat helps the flavors meld together even more
03 -
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before assembling, as different brands of meat substitute absorb salt differently
- Toast the spices in the hot pan for 30 seconds before adding the meat substitute for deeper flavor