Vegetarian Ground Beef Tacos (Printable Version)
Quick and satisfying vegetarian tacos with seasoned plant-based beef substitute, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado toppings ready in 25 minutes.
# 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
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add the vegetarian ground beef substitute to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
03 - Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the crumbles evenly.
04 - Add the water and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly saucy. Remove from heat.
05 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 20–30 seconds.
06 - Spoon the vegetarian filling into each warmed tortilla. Top with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cheese, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
07 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spice blend creates such depth that even dedicated carnivores wont miss the meat
- Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when takeout feels like the only option
02 -
- Letting the filling rest for a minute off the heat helps the flavors meld together beautifully
- Overcrowding the skillet with crumbles prevents proper browning so work in batches if needed
03 -
- Prep all toppings before starting the filling so assembly happens quickly
- Warm your serving plates in the oven for restaurant-quality presentation