Vegetarian Ground Beef Tacos (Printable version)
Seasoned vegetarian ground beef filling with fresh toppings in warm tortillas
# Ingredient list:
→ 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
# Directions:
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 to coat evenly.
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 until pliable.
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 on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The seasoning creates that deep umami flavor you think only beef can provide
- Everything comes together in under 30 minutes for those I'm exhausted evenings
02 -
- Don't rush the onion step, that base sweetness is what balances the spices later
- The water might seem weird, but it's what transforms this from dry crumbles to taco filling
03 -
- Toast your cumin and paprika in a dry pan for 1 minute before adding them for next-level flavor
- A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce adds that umami punch meat eaters love