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Savory Vegan Ground Beef Crumbles Recipe for Easy Plant-Based Meals

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A hearty, savory, and satisfying plant-based ground beef substitute made with lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, perfect for tacos, pasta sauces, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of brown or green lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
  2. While lentils cook, finely chop 8 oz of cremini mushrooms, 1 medium yellow onion, and 1/2 cup of walnuts. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped mushrooms and walnuts to the skillet. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
  5. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet with the mushroom-walnut mixture. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water to loosen the mixture slightly. Stir well, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The mixture should be moist but hold together well, with a rich, hearty flavor.
  8. Use immediately in tacos, pasta sauces, or casseroles, or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Finely chop mushrooms and walnuts separately for best texture. Let mushrooms brown slowly to develop umami. Adjust moisture by simmering longer if too wet. Use soy sauce for depth of flavor and smoked paprika for smokiness. Double batch and freeze portions for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan ground beef, plant-based, lentils, mushrooms, walnuts, savory, easy vegan recipe, meat substitute, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/savory-vegan-ground-beef-crumbles-recipe-for-easy-plant-based-meals/