Vegan Ground Beef Tacos 

These Vegan Ground Beef Tacos need to be on the menu for your next t aco night. Juicy vegan beef infused with Mexican lager and tequila to make taco meat that’s bursting with flavor! All you need is 8 simple ingredients and your favorite taco toppings.

If there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s delicious vegan tacos. We’ve got Vegan Carne Asada Tacos, Sheet Pan Tofu Tacos, Walnut Taco Meat, Vegan Birria Tacos, Potato Tacos, just to name a few! 

We decided it was time to add a Classic Vegan Ground Beef Taco recipe. They’re the perfect introductory tacos for new vegans, skeptical family and friends, or when you’re craving something that tastes as close to the real thing to street tacos as possible.

Enjoy a quick, simple weeknight dinner, or serve it to a crowd for family get-togethers! 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

For the Taco Meat:

• Aromatics: Onion and fresh garlic add a savory depth of flavor to the taco meat. 
• Cilantro: Adds freshness that balances the richer flavors in the vegan beef mixture. For the most robust flavor, use both fresh cilantro leaves and stems. 
• Vegan beefless grounds: Our favorite beef to use is by the brand Impossible, but feel free to use your favorite vegan beefless grounds brand. 
• Light Mexican lager: Deepens the richness of the taco meat and adds a slight malt flavor. We like to use Modelo or Corona. 
• Tequila: Infuses the beef with a subtle smoky flavor and brightens the overall flavor. 
• Spices: ​You’ll need your favorite taco seasoning blend and black pepper. Depending on your spice preference you can opt for a mild or spicy taco seasoning – both work well in this taco meat! 

For Serving:

• Tortillas: Feel free to use your favorite crunchy tortillas, corn tortillas, or flour tortillas. Or try our Homemade Whole Wheat Spinach Tortillas.
• Toppings: If you want to keep it classic, serve your beef tacos with cilantro, diced white onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Or, take them to the next level with added vegan shredded cheese, vegan sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and/or pickled veggies! 

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Medium pan
• Spatula

How to Make Vegan Ground Beef Tacos

1. Sauté onions. Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. 
2. Add cilantro and garlic. Once the onions are translucent, add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. 
3. Add vegan grounds. Stir in the beefless grounds and cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned and crispy on the outside. 
4. Season. Sprinkle the beef mixture with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning and cook for another minute, stirring often. 
5. Add beer. Pour in half of the light Mexican lager and mix through. Cook, mixing often, until no liquid remains. Repeat with the remaining beer, simmering again until no liquid remains. 
6. Add tequila. Pour in half of the tequila and mix through. Cook mixing often, until no liquid remains. Repeat with the remaining tequila, simmering again until no liquid remains. 
7. Season as desired. Once the liquid has fully cooked off, season with black pepper and additional seasonings to taste. 
8. Serve. Serve vegan ground beef immediately while warm in tortillas with toppings of choice. Enjoy! 

Serving Suggestions 

Stuffing this vegan taco meat into your favorite warm tortillas and enjoying these tacos as a main dish is the obvious choice, but this vegan beef can be used to make so much more than just tacos! Feel free to use it to make Vegan Taco Salads, Nachos, Quesadillas, Burrito Bowls, Taquitos, Enchilada Casserole and more! 

Storage Instructions

Leftover taco meat will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before storing, allow the taco meat to cool to room temperature to prevent condensation buildup. 

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through, and serve as desired. 

More Vegan Taco Recipes You May Enjoy:

Dinner

Vegan Birria Tacos

Gluten Free

Vegan Carne Asada Tacos (Gluten-Free)

Gluten Free

Sheet Pan Tofu Taco Meat

Gluten Free

Lentil & Walnut Taco Meat

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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