I’m not always a big fan of “fake meat,” so I struggled with what exactly to call this recipe. My goal wasn’t to create something that tasted exactly like ground beef, or had the exact same texture (although honestly the texture is pretty similar to me). My goal was to create a high-protein, plant-based food that I could incorporate into other meals in the same way you might with ground beef. I wanted something substantial that would work well in things like:
-Chili-Tacos-Enchiladas-Burritos-Lasagna-Mac & Cheese (sort of a homemade Hamburger Helper situation)-Nachos-Shepard’s Pie-Stew-Sloppy Joe-style sandwiches
And although I haven’t tried this in every single one of those yet, I’ve tried quite a few and I’m really happy with the results!
So if the thought of fake ground beef turns you off, I get it. You can think of this any way you like. But whatever you do I would try it out because it is super flavorful and packed full of protein. The recipe I’m sharing below has 60+ grams of protein (depending on what nuts you choose, see notes) and you can use this so many different ways, and even freeze it if you want to make a double batch to use for a while.
High Protein Vegetarian Ground Beef, makes 2-4 servings depending how you use it
8 oz. tempeh1/2 cup walnuts, pecans, or other nuts2 tablespoons TVP (textured vegetable protein)2 tablespoons tomato paste2 tablespoons soy sauce1 tablespoon olive oil1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon chili powder1/4 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon cumin1/4 teaspoon pepper1/8 teaspoon cayenne
In a food processor, combine all the ingredients. You may need to do this in a few batches depending on the size of your food processor. If you do, first stir together the soy sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and all the spices so you can more evenly distribute that between batches.
You want to pulse, not puree. You are looking for a soft and crumbly mixture and not processed so it becomes a paste. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.
Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, removing from the oven halfway through baking to stir up the mixture a little.
Now you can use this right away in a recipe. Or you can store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (maybe more, but this feels safe as I’ve tried it). Or you can store in an airtight container and freeze until you need it.
Note: As indicated, you can change up the nuts you use here pretty easily and I know nut allergies are pretty prevalent, so don’t be afraid to change this based on what you need. Pretty much any nut will do as it’s mainly there to add texture. But this can change the overall protein content a little. I believe walnuts offer some of the highest protein, but many other nuts are good options too.
Enjoy! xo. Emma
High Protein Vegetarian Ground Beef
- 8 oz. tempeh
- 1/2 cup walnuts pecans, or other nuts
- 2 tablespoons TVP textured vegetable protein
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- In a food processor, combine all the ingredients. You may need to do this in a few batches depending on the size of your food processor. If you do, first stir together the soy sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and all the spices so you can more evenly distribute that between batches.
- You want to pulse, not puree. You are looking for a soft and crumbly mixture and not processed so it becomes a paste. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, removing from the oven halfway through baking to stir up the mixture a little.
- Now you can use this right away in a recipe. Or you can store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (maybe more, but this feels safe as I’ve tried it). Or you can store in an airtight container and freeze until you need it.
As indicated, you can change up the nuts you use here pretty easily and I know nut allergies are pretty prevalent, so don’t be afraid to change this based on what you need. Pretty much any nut will do as it’s mainly there to add texture. But this can change the overall protein content a little. I believe walnuts offer some of the highest protein, but many other nuts are good options too.
