How to Make Tofu Taste Like Beef

Delicious tofu ground beef (aka tofu crumbles) is made with a handful of ingredients, minimal hands-on prep, and a baked or stovetop method. It is perfect to use as a plant-based ground beef replacement in all your favorite recipes! Gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, vegan!

Vegan tofu mince to replicate mince beef

Even with the massive increase of meat alternative products on the market in the last decade, many of the products are highly processed, packed with chemicals, and not particularly low-budget. In comparison, this homemade tofu ground beef/tofu crumbles combines firm tofu (which you could even make at home!) with a selection of simple spices, then bake or pan-fry it to a slightly drier, "meaty" consistency. The result is delicious plant-based ground beef worthy of use in tons of vegan recipes!

While tofu and soy products remain controversial, I'm all for eating tofu in moderation. Not only is it packed with protein, but it also contains all the essential amino acids needed, with healthful Omegas and other healthy fats. Plus, since tofu is practically flavorless, it soaks up the flavors added to it. Combine that with the slightly chewy, meaty texture of the firm tofu (especially once baked), and it makes for impressive vegan ground meat.

Even better, you can prepare this tofu meat in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for several meals. And the uses for this beefless ground beef are endless – as tofu taco meat, in spaghetti, nachos, lasagna, pies, etc.!

Interested in making more homemade meat alternatives/plant-based proteins? You may also enjoy this method for homemade tempeh and homemade seitan!

The Vegan Ground Meat Ingredients

The base Tofu Ground Beef Ingredients

Firm tofu: I use homemade firm tofu, but a store-bought tofu block will also work (extra firm tofu will also work). Make sure not to use silken or softer tofu, as it won't be the correct consistency and chew for this ground beef tofu recipe.
Oil: use a neutral cooking oil like sunflower oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, olive oil, etc.
Soy sauce: dark soy will yield the best flavor and tons of umami, but use reduced-sodium soy if preferred. For a gluten-free option, use Tamari or Coconut aminos.
Smoked paprika: for a subtle smoky flavor.
Nutritional yeast: add a mildly nutty, cheesy, umami-rich flavor for incredible depth to the vegan ground meat. It also adds B12 to the tofu meat.

Optional Seasonings

While I've listed these as technically optional, I highly recommend using them for the best beefless ground beef.

Tomato puree: will add acidity and umami flavor. I use homemade tomato paste.
Onion powder: I use homemade onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
Garlic powder: I use homemade garlic powder. Adjust the amount to taste.
Chili powder/cayenne powder: if you want the ground beef substitute to be spicy. Adjust the amount to taste.

Optional Add-ins and Variations

Once you've experimented with my preferred simple beefless ground beef recipe (aka tofu ground beef), then use that as a rough guide and have fun with experimenting with other seasonings and flavors, including:

Liquid smoke: a few drops add a wonderful smokiness to the ground beef tofu recipe.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce: adding a generous splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce adds tons of depth to the tofu mince and creates a more "beefy" flavor in this beefless ground beef recipe.
Oregano: a pinch of oregano or other herbs are an easy way to infuse the tofu crumbles with extra flavor.
Cumin: just a pinch.
Beetroot juice: a few tablespoons of beet juice adds color to the vegan ground beef and a savory, earthy flavor that helps make meatier beefless ground beef.
Red pepper flakes: to add a subtle heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes (to taste).
Lentils: use a blend of 60-70% tofu and the rest as lentils for a slightly different texture and flavor in the plant-based ground beef.

How to Make Tofu Ground Beef (Tofu Crumbles)?

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

First, preheat the oven to 400ºF/200ºC.

Then, drain the tofu, gently patting it dry with a paper towel.

There's no need to press the tofu if you plan to bake it, as the excess liquid will bake out. If you plan to pan-fry the ground tofu, lightly pressing the tofu can help to decrease the cooking time.

Then, use either a fork, potato ricer, masher, or even by hand to crumble the tofu into minced meat-sized pieces (make them as large/small as preferred) into a large bowl. I like to make mine an assortment of smaller and larger pieces, like regular minced meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

Combine the oil, soy sauce, and spices in a small bowl and whisk well. Then pour it over the crumbled tofu and toss gently to coat.

If you want to infuse the tofu ground beef with more flavor, you can now allow this to marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Tofu Ground Beef

Transfer the tofu crumbs to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread it evenly across the tray, and bake at 400ºF/200ºC for between 20-30 minutes, tossing/stirring at 10 minutes (and again another 7-8 minutes later if preferred).

The exact time will depend on the size of your minced tofu and how "dry" vs. crunchy you want it to be, and your specific oven. If you want crispy vegan ground meat, this can take up to 45 minutes.

Alternative Method: Pan fry the plant-based ground beef

Add a swirl of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu crumbles and cook until browned and crispy (if the tofu was undrained, this could still take 15-20 minutes. If drained, it won't take as long).

Just note that this stovetop method will yield different results, with vegan ground meat that tends to be softer than the baked version unless you press the tofu before seasoning it.

How to Serve Vegan Ground Meat?

Once cooked, you can use the tofu ground beef in any dish that calls for minced meat, including:

Spaghetti Bolognese and in marinara sauce.
Shepherd's pie.
Lasagna and stuffed pasta shells.
Add to stir-fries – like this Stir-Fried Thai Basil Vegan Beef (Pad Krapow).
Stuffed vegetables.
It makes for delicious tofu taco meat.
Within burritos (or burrito bowls)/enchiladas/quesadillas.
To make vegan/veggie chili.
Add to nachos – with homemade tortilla chips and vegan melty cheese.
Add protein to simple salads.
"Beef" stroganoff.
Add to soups and stews – like this minestrone, carrot and pea stew, and butter bean stew.

How to Store?

Store: allow the cool and then store the vegan ground meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Freeze: while the texture of tofu changes upon freezing/thawing due to the small pieces of this crumbled tofu recipe, it isn't too noticeable in this vegan ground beef recipe. To freeze, allow it to cool and then store in an airtight container/Ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat: I usually add the cooked tofu ground beet directly to a recipe (like spaghetti, etc.) to heat it. However, you can also reheat the tofu meat in the oven (10-15 minutes) or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

Can I use frozen tofu? Yes, while the texture will vary slightly. Pre-frozen and thawed tofu actually crumbles even easier than regular tofu, and the texture becomes even chewier and "meatier" if anything. Unopened tofu can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Can I use an air fryer? I haven't attempted this recipe in my air fryer (yet), but it should be doable. I recommend reducing the heat to 375ºF/190ºC, cooking it for between 15-25 minutes, tossing it a couple of times. Let me know if you try it!
Baked vs. pan-fried tofu crumbles: note that the latter will be softer than the baked tofu and won't be quite as 'meaty' in texture. However, the flavor is still great. For the best results, though, I recommend baked tofu crumbles.
The baking time will vary: based on how dry you want the tofu crumbles (or how crisp/crunchy), the size of your crumbles, and your oven. I recommend keeping a close eye on it the first time you try this recipe. That way, you know the best time for next time.
Use the correct tofu: firm or extra firm tofu is required for the correct beefless ground beef consistency.
Don't crowd the baking tray: otherwise, the vegan ground beef will steam and won't dry out/crisp up enough.

More Ways to use Tofu

Butter Chicken (Tofu or Paneer Makhani)
Crispy Baked Tofu (Breaded Tofu)
Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble
Simple Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles
Crispy Rice Paper Dumplings

A slice of crispy tofu cut into smaller pieces on a chopping board

If you try this Tofu Ground Beef (Vegan Tofu Crumbles) recipe, I'd love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I'd appreciate a recipe card rating below, and tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie !

Vegan tofu mince to replicate mince beef

▢ 15 oz firm tofu OR extra-firm
▢ ¼ cup sunflower oil or another neutral cooking oil
▢ 1.5 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos (GF) 0.7oz/19 g
▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
▢ 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast 0.2 oz/7g

Optional:

▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ¼ cup tomato pure
▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder to make it spicier if wanted; omit if preferred

Check the Recipe Notes below for more optional add-ins!