Vegan Ground Beef Crumbles
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole walnuts*
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms
cremini
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
or coconut aminos for soy free
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ tablespoon each smoked paprika**
cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
divided
Directions
- 1
Roughly chop the mushrooms. Place them in a large food processor, then add the walnuts and tamari, ketchup, cumin, spices, and salt. Pulse gently multiple times until everything is evenly chopped, being careful not to over process (or it will be too mushy). If you don’t have a food processor, use a chef’s knife to roughly chop everything and place in a bowl with the spices.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium low heat. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring until it releases all of its liquid then becomes dry and browned. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Taste and add more salt to taste if desired. Store refrigerated for 1 week or freeze on a sheet pan, then place in a sealed container and freeze up to 3 months.
Vegan Ground Beef Crumbles
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that rich, savory satisfaction of ground beef, but want a plant-based alternative that truly delivers on flavor? These Vegan Ground Beef Crumbles are your answer, offering hearty texture and deep umami that's incredibly versatile.
Why These Crumbles Work
The magic behind these vegan crumbles lies in the brilliant combination of whole walnuts and baby bella mushrooms. Together, they create a satisfyingly meaty texture and provide a robust base of umami. A thoughtful blend of smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder infuses every bite with that classic savory depth you expect from seasoned ground beef, making them perfect for countless dishes.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly delicious experience. You'll find these crumbles wonderfully savory and rich, with a pleasant, substantial texture that holds up beautifully in a variety of preparations. They are designed to mimic the hearty appeal of traditional ground beef, ready to absorb surrounding flavors while bringing their own complex, earthy notes to the table. This is a dish that proves vegan cooking can be just as satisfying and flavorful as any other.
Customization & Variations
These crumbles are wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. If you're looking for a soy-free option, easily swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos as suggested. While the recipe is robust on its own, feel free to adjust the amount of smoked paprika or cumin to fine-tune the flavor profile to your liking, perhaps adding a touch more for an extra smoky kick.
Serving & Context
These versatile vegan crumbles are perfect for stuffing into bell peppers, building epic tacos, or sprinkling over nachos for a plant-based feast. They're also fantastic incorporated into pasta sauces, chili, or as a hearty topping for baked potatoes, making them a staple for weeknight dinners and meal prep alike.