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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Smoky Tofu Ground Beef (Vegan Tofu Crumbles)

    Mar 19, 2023 by Rachel · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    Collage of tofu ground beef in pan and served in tacos with text overlay "smoky tofu ground beef gluten-free."

    Today I am showing you how to take a plain block of tofu and turn it into the most flavorful tofu ground beef! Meaty, smoky, chewy, and crispy, this will be your new favorite ground meat substitute.

    Tofu ground beef served in vegan tacos and topped with avocado and cilantro.

    Just 30 minutes and a few simple ingredients are what's standing between you and this delicious ground tofu! With it's meaty texture and smoky flavor, even meat-eaters will love it.

    It's a great recipe to include in your weekly meal prep if you're looking to eat less meat!

    Not only will it satisfy your cravings, but it's good for you too. Tofu is a soybean product that is packed with protein, fiber, calcium, manganese, copper, and more!

    If you're new to cooking with tofu, check out my ultimate tofu guide where I explain what it is and how to prepare it.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredient notes
    • How to Make Tofu Ground Beef
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQs
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • How to store leftovers
    • More delicious tofu recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Made with whole foods: Unlike most meat substitutes you can find in the store, this tofu ground beef is made with whole food ingredients that are minimally processed.
    • Simple and easy to make: This recipe has a few simple steps that anyone can follow. Even if you're a beginner at vegan cooking! No fancy techniques or kitchen tools are needed!
    • Customizable: You can use your favorite spices to flavor the tofu and customize it to your taste. You can even use barbecue sauce or your favorite hot sauce to marinate it before baking.
    • Versatile: This tofu ground beef recipe can be used in so many dishes! From chili, stew, and pasta sauces, to tacos, burritos, and salads.

    Ingredient notes

    Gathered ingredients for making tofu ground beef recipe.
    • Tofu: For best results, use extra-firm or super-firm tofu. This type of tofu has less moisture, which helps it to crisp up more.
    • Soy sauce: I use low-sodium soy sauce, but you can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
    • Spices: You'll need ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

    Scroll to the recipe card below for full measurements.

    How to Make Tofu Ground Beef

    Step 1: Start by pressing the tofu for a chewy and crispy texture. If you're going to add it to a sauce later, skip this step.

    Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel or a paper towel. Place something heavy on top like a soup pot or a few books. Press for as little as 15 minutes, and up to 1 hour.

    Pressing a block of tofu in a kitchen towel.

    Step 2: In a large bowl, mix soy sauce with the spices—ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and black pepper. You should have a mixture that resembles a paste.

    Mixing marinade in a bowl with a stainless-steel whisk.

    Step 3: Using your hands, crumble the tofu into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the spices. Toss to coat on all sides.

    Tofu crumbles marinating in a mixing bowl.

    Step 4: Transfer the crumbled tofu to a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven to 400ºF (205ºC) for 25-30 minutes.

    No parchment paper is needed! The tofu will crisp up more when it's in a direct contact with the hot baking sheet.

    Unbaked tofu crumbles on a baking sheet.

    Make sure to stir halfway through to allow the tofu crumbs to bake evenly. You know it's ready when the tofu is golden brown and crispy.

    Tofu ground beef baked on a baking sheet.

    Expert Tips

    • Use the right kind of tofu: The type of tofu you use is key to how the end result is going to turn out. When choosing which one to buy, look for extra-firm or super-firm tofu. These types are dense and have a low water content, which makes them perfect for baking and crisping up. Other kinds of tofu like silken tofu or soft tofu have too much moisture in them. Meaning, they won't crisp up, but would turn to mush.
    • Press it for a better texture: Pressing your tofu removes excess moisture. This also allows it to absorb more of the seasoning. If you're adding the tofu ground beef to a sauce later, you can skip this step.
    • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Make sure to leave enough space so that steam can escape as the tofu is baking. If you overcrowd the baking sheet, the tofu will get end up being soft.
    • Adjust the cooking time if needed: It all depends on what type of tofu you're using and how powerful your oven is. This tofu ground beef burns easily, so make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent that.

    FAQs

    Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?

    Yes, this recipe can easily be made in the air fryer! You'll need to add a piece of parchment paper to the air fryer basket. This will prevent any pieces of tofu from falling to the bottom of the air fryer. Cook for 10-15 minutes at max power, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

    Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

    Yes, but the texture won't be the same, so expect different results. You can fry the tofu in a cast-iron skillet or another large skillet using 1-2 tablespoon of oil. Cook for 10-15 minutes over medium heat. Make sure to not stir too often and give it enough time to brown.

    How do I use this as a substitute for real ground beef?

    After baking, you can use this recipe as a substitute for real beef in almost any dish. The only difference would be that you will need to add it at the end of cooking, not in the beginning as you'd usually do with real meat.

    Can tofu taste like meat?

    Tofu is a blank canvas that can easily turn into whatever you want it to with the right marinade or seasonings. Tofu has very little flavor on its own and its spongy texture lends itself to absorbing whatever flavors you add to it. It can taste like beef, chicken, or even fish depending on the cooking method and seasonings.

    Tofu ground beef on a baking sheet with a wooden spoon in it.

    Serving suggestions

    • Just like with my crispy vegan tofu tacos, this tofu ground beef is perfect to stuff into vegan tortillas! I always add my favorite toppings such as vegan guacamole and vegan cheese sauce, and I like to serve it alongside Palmito ceviche and tortilla chips.
    • Add to your favorite pasta sauce or marinara sauce and serve over vegan pasta.
    • For an easy meal, stir fry the tofu ground meat with my vegan stir fry sauce. Then, serve over jasmine rice, and garnish with green onion.
    • Sprinkle it over pasta or pizza like my one-pot "baked" feta pasta and pita pizzas.
    • You can also add it to tomato sauce and use that in vegan lasagna or other dishes where you'd need a vegan substitute for ground beef.
    A close-up photo of a vegan tacos stuffed with tofu ground beef, avocado and vegan cheese.

    Variations

    • Switch up the seasoning: Sometimes I like to use Italian seasonings and nutritional yeast instead of the spices mentioned in the recipe card. This makes for a lighter version of the recipe.
    • Add liquid smoke: If you want to take it to the next level, I recommend adding 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke when you're mixing the spices.
    • Coat in barbecue sauce: You can use 3-4 tablespoons of my homemade vegan barbque sauce (or any store bought vegan bbq sauce).

    How to store leftovers

    Let any leftover tofu ground beef cool completely, then transfer to a container and cover with a lid. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    To reheat, warm in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350ºF (180ºC), or until warmed through and crispy.

    Freezer instructions:

    This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the tofu cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze. Let it thaw completely on the counter or in the fridge before using it in a recipe.

    A vegan taco stuffed with tofu crumbles and served on a white cutting board.

    More delicious tofu recipes

    • Air Fryer Tofu is extra crispy and great for adding to a variety of dishes!
    • Easy Tofu Stir Fry is super filling with 30 grams of plant-based protein per serving!
    • Crispy Vegan Tofu Tacos are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor and ready in just 30 minutes!

    📖 Recipe

    Tofu ground beef served in vegan tacos and topped with avocado and cilantro.

    Smoky Tofu Ground Beef

    This tofu ground beef recipe will turn anyone into a tofu lover! Meaty, smoky, and crispy, this will be your new favorite vegan meat substitute.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    course: Main Course, Side Dish
    cuisine: American
    servings: 6
    prep time: 10 mins
    cook time: 30 mins
    total time: 40 mins
    Author: Rachel

    Ingredients

    • 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained
    • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, use tamari for a gluten-free option
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Start by pressing the tofu for a chewy and crispy texture. If you're going to add it to a sauce later, skip this step. Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel or a paper towel. Place something heavy on top like a soup pot or a few books. Press for as little as 15 minutes, and up to 1 hour.
      14 ounces extra-firm tofu
    • Preheat oven to 400ºF (205ºC). Then, In a large bowl, mix soy sauce with the spices. You should have a mixture that resembles a paste.
      2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • Using your hands, crumble the tofu into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the spices. Toss well to evenly coat.
    • Transfer the crumbled tofu to a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The tofu ground beef is ready when it's golden brown and crispy.

    Notes

    Leftovers: Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to a container and cover with a lid. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 46kcal Carbohydrates: 3g Protein: 6g Fat: 1g Saturated Fat: 0.2g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g Sodium: 241mg Potassium: 155mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 1g Vitamin A: 273IU Vitamin C: 0.1mg Calcium: 34mg Iron: 1mg
    Want to eat healthier but don't know where to start?Get a free customizable meal plan and stop the struggle!
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    I'm Rachel and I'm here to help you transition to a healthy plant-based diet in the easiest way possible. I share simple recipes and tips you can implement today to make it practical and approachable. Read more about my plant-based journey

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    Collage of four vegan bbq recipes.

    40 Best Vegan BBQ Recipes Perfect For The Grill

    Spaghetti squash half topped with creamy sauces and herbs.

    Creamy Spaghetti Squash Pasta

    Tofu ground beef served in vegan tacos and topped with avocado and cilantro.

    Smoky Tofu Ground Beef (Vegan Tofu Crumbles)

    Beet pasta served in a white plate and topped with crumbled vegan feta, basil leaves, and crushed pistachios.

    Easy Beet Pasta

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