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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Vegan Sides

    Tofu Ground Beef

    Published: Aug 29, 2023 Β· Modified: May 13, 2025 Β· by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Tofu ground beef is a vegetarian game-changer! Bursting with robust savory flavors from a unique blend of seasonings and spices, this dish will elevate any of your favorite plant-based meals. Serve it with tacos, pasta, salads, or bowls, and watch it become an instant favorite!

    Tofu ground beef in a skillet with a wooden spoon in it.

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    • Quick & easy: It’s fuss-free, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
    • Perfect texture: Tofu ground beef emulates the texture of ground beef unbelievably well, making your plant-based transition smoother.
    • All-natural ingredients: Say goodbye to processed meat substitutes and hello to wholesome tofu goodness!

    What is tofu ground beef?

    Tofu is a classic ingredient in Asian cuisine, but I’ve given it a makeover in this recipe to mimic the taste and texture of ground beef. The thing I love about tofu is its amazing ability to soak up flavors, and trust me, this recipe nails that perfectly.

    It turns out crispy on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside, very much like ground beef. The soy and Worcestershire sauces provide color and depth of flavor, while the paprika adds a smoky heat you won’t be able to get enough of!

    Serve this tofu ground beef as the centerpiece in tacos, a hearty addition to pasta sauces, or a protein-packed topping for salads. Whatever you choose, I promise you won't be disappointed!

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Tofu ground beef ingredients laid out separately with labels.
    • Tofu: Extra-firm tofu soaks up the flavors of the marinade like a sponge and provides a perfectly chewy texture. Tempeh can also be used as an alternative.
    • Avocado oil: I use avocado oil for its neutral flavor, but you can try olive oil too.
    • Vegetable broth: Enhances the savory flavors while adding moisture. If you have access, you can also try vegan β€œno beef” broth or bouillon.
    • Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami-rich flavor and a deep brown color. Use tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option.
    • Worcestershire sauce: Provides more depth and color. Most Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies, so double-check that it’s specifically labeled β€œvegan.”
    • Tomato paste: Offers richness and more umami. Tomato sauce can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
    • Maple syrup: Imparts a subtle sweetness to round out the savoriness of the other ingredients. Agave nectar makes a good substitute.
    • Nutritional yeast: Provides an extra boost of umami flavor. If you don’t have nutritional yeast, try white miso paste or additional soy sauce.
    • Spices: I use onion, powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to add savory, smoky notes. Feel free to play around with the quantities.

    How to make tofu ground beef

    Crumbled tofu in a glass mixing bowl.
    • Step 1: Crumble the block of tofu into a bowl, then mix in the nutritional yeast and the rest of the spices.Β 
    Sauce in a glass measuring cup.
    • Step 2: In another bowl, blend all the marinade ingredients. Pour this over your tofu crumbles, combining well.
    Seasoned tofu crumbles on a lined baking sheet.
    • Step 3: Spread the tofu evenly on a baking sheet and bake it for 30 minutes, tossing at the 20-minute mark for even cooking.
    Tofu ground beef in a skillet.
    • Step 4: Heat some avocado oil in a skillet, then add the baked tofu crumbles. Cook the tofu over medium, adding a bit of broth if the mixture seems too dry.
    A wooden spatula full of tofu ground beef over a skillet full of tofu ground beef.
    • Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add some taco seasoning for a twist, or serve it as-is with pasta, salads, or bowls.

    How to serve tofu ground beef

    There are so many ways you can serve tofu ground beef! Here are some of my favorites:

    • Tacos & burritos: Swap out traditional meat and fill your tortillas with tofu ground beef for a delicious twist.
    • Pasta: Layer it between pasta sheets, sauce, and cheese for a hearty vegetarian lasagna. Or, mix it with your favorite marinara sauce and serve it over pasta.
    • Stuffed bell peppers: Mix tofu ground beef with rice and veggies, then stuff it into bell peppers with melty vegan cheese on top.
    • Stir-fries: Add it to your favorite stir-fries and serve over rice or noodles.
    • Soups and stews: Stir tofu ground beef into your favorite chili or ramen recipe for a meatless masterpiece.
    • Shepherd's pie: Use tofu ground beef as the base layer, topped with mashed potatoes.
    • Lettuce wraps: For a lighter option, spoon your tofu ground beef into iceberg or butter lettuce wraps and garnish it with your choice of toppings.
    Three soft tacos filled with tofu ground beef, lettuce, and tomatoes.

    Storage & Reheating

    Storing and enjoying leftovers is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

    • Fridge: Store your tofu ground beef in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
    • Freezer: You can freeze this recipe for up to a month. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
    • Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s dry.

    Variations

    • Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for an ultra-spicy version.
    • Herb-infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or rosemary.
    • Tex-Mex: Incorporate taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex option.
    • Italian: Blend in Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean flavor. 
    • Barbecue: Mix in some BBQ sauce for a bold variation.

    Top tips

    • Press the tofu: Use a tofu press to remove as much water as you can from your tofu, especially if it’s not extra-firm.
    • Marinate: Marinate the tofu for as long as possible to create a deeper flavor. Overnight is best, but even an hour is great!
    • Pan selection: Use a wide pan for even sautΓ©ing. You don’t want your tofu to be steaming.
    Tofu ground beef over pasta marinara.

    FAQ

    Can I skip baking the tofu?

    Although you can opt to just pan-fry this recipe, baking is what will give it its signature chewy texture. Baking helps draw out moisture, resulting in a β€œmeaty” mouthfeel.Β 

    How long should I marinate the tofu?

    The longer you marinate the tofu the better. If you have the time, leave it overnight.

    Why is my tofu mushy?

    If your tofu is mushy, it’s likely because you’re not using firm or extra-firm tofu. If you are using firm or extra-firm, make sure you press your tofu for at least 15-30 minutes.

    More tofu recipes

    If you enjoyed this tofu ground beef recipe, take a peek at some more tofu-forward dishes:

    • Crispy Baked Tofu: A simple 20-minute recipe made in the oven.
    • Chow Fun Noodles (With Tofu): Cantonese-inspired dish with fresh veggies, tofu, and rice noodles.
    • Buffalo Tofu: A vegan alternative to traditional Buffalo chicken.
    Tofu ground beef in a skillet with a wooden spoon in it.

    Tofu Ground Beef

    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
    Total Time: 35 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 2 people
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    This tofu ground beef can elevate any plant-based meal. It emulates the texture and taste of ground beef. It's crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside. The robust savory flavors are unbelievably delicious. Serve it on tacos, pastas, bowls or wraps.

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1 block extra firm tofu
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

    Marinade

    • ΒΌ cup broth vegan
    • 3 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
    • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce vegan
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

    Dry Ingredients/Spices

    • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ΒΌ teaspoon black pepper

    METHOD
     

    • Preheat oven to 350℉.
    • Crumble tofu into a mixing bowl using your hands.
      Note - When using a super firm or extra firm tofu, there is usually no need to press it. However, if there is liquid remaining in the tofu, then it is necessary to press the tofu before crumbling it.
    • Mix in the nutritional yeast and all the spices to the crumbled tofu.
    • Combine all marinade ingredients together in a small bowl or glass. Pour marinade over the crumbled tofu and toss together.
    • Spread the crumble tofu over a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until tofu is slightly dried out. Then toss together and spread it back on the lined baking sheet. Place in the oven for another 10 minutes.
    • Heat oil on a skillet over medium heat. Transfer the tofu crumbles into the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes.
      Note - If tofu seems too dry, then add 1 or 2 tablespoon over broth while stirring.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. - You can add a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the tofu ground beef to serve with your tacos.
      Or else serve as is, with your pastas, salads, or bowls.

    NOTES

    • Press the tofu: Use a tofu press to remove as much water as you can from your tofu, especially if it’s not extra-firm.
    • Marinate: Marinate the tofu for as long as possible to create a deeper flavor. Overnight is best, but even an hour is great!
    • Pan selection: Use a wide pan for even sautΓ©ing. You don’t want your tofu to be steaming.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 2038mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 692IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 5mg
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: All
    Keyword: tofu beef crumbles, Tofu Ground Beef
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susan Cawte says

      October 11, 2023 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      I made tacos with this recipe. So yummy!!

      Reply
      • Puja Verma says

        October 12, 2023 at 12:57 am

        Yay! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tofu ground beef. It's one of my go-to recipes at home. I usually love serving these with a side of fajitas. Thank you so much for sharing πŸ’š.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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