Vegetarian Ground Beef Tacos (Print Version)

Savory plant-based filling with fresh vegetables creamy avocado wrapped in warm tortillas

# What You 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
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
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

# How-To:

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 mixture evenly.
04 - Pour in the water and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly saucy. Remove from heat.
05 - Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.
06 - Spoon the vegetarian filling into each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cheese, avocado slices, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
07 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky spice blend creates a depth of flavor that makes you forget there is no meat in the pan
  • Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something real but not complicated
02 -
  • Let the filling rest for a couple of minutes off the heat before assembling, as this helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly
  • The water measurement might look tiny, but it is just enough to help the spices bloom and create a cohesive mixture without making it soggy
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, as it holds heat beautifully and helps develop those gorgeous browned bits of flavor
  • Taste and adjust the salt before serving, since different vegetarian ground brands vary in their sodium content

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