Whether you’re considering going veggie or simply cutting down, there are plenty of affordable, healthy, and not to mention delicious alternatives to ground beef. You can make all your favorite recipes including, burgers, chilies, and tacos with the lighter substitute of your choice. If you’re trying to reduce your red meat intake or just want to introduce some new flavors into your kitchen, check out these 5 awesome alternatives to ground beef.
Portobello Mushroom Burger
If you’re looking for something vegetarian for a dinner party or BBQ, try a Portobello mushroom burger instead of the traditional beef. Many types of mushrooms have a great meaty flavor and texture, and Portobellos are king. You could even throw some provolone cheese in the burgers. Mushrooms can also be used as a substitute in plenty of other meaty dishes. These include curries, stir-fries, and stews.
Ground Turkey Mince
If you’re partial to homemade chili, why not substitute the beef and make a healthy ground turkey dinner? You could even make a ground turkey rice bowl or other Asian-styled recipes. These types of dishes include loads of hidden veggies as well and are great for kids and adults alike. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are all low-fat options as beef replacements. You could even mix two types of meat if you’re preparing dishes such as burgers or meatballs. Switch half your beef to pork for example.
Tofu Treats
Another perfect vegetarian option is to make a tofu ground beef substitute. Seasoned crumbled tofu actually has a very similar consistency to beef. Extra-firm tofu is the best as a meat substitute and it’s delicious either fried, or grilled, in many different recipes. Tofu is much more versatile than you might think. It’s good at absorbing flavors and can be cooked in different ways. There are also plenty of health benefits of soy and it’s an ideal protein substitute for vegans.
Lentils And Pulses
Lentils and pulses are other hearty alternatives to ground beef. There are a few fantastic recipes such as lentil shepherd’s pie that are perhaps even better with lentils rather than beef. It’s the ultimate comfort food especially as the weather gets colder. Lentils also come in a variety of colors such as red, green, brown, and black, so you have plenty of exciting options. Other pulses and grains are commonly used as a meat substitute, these include bulgur and even quinoa.
If you are looking for a tried and true lentil dish, this Sri Lankan Dhal I learned on a trip to Sri Lanka this year is just divine.
Vegan Meats
There’s a larger variety of vegan meats on the market than ever before. Vegan meats can substitute just about anything including ground beef. There are also plenty of gluten-free options. Seitan is also a popular choice. Its meaty texture and flavor replace that of beef effectively. Here is the ultimate guide to vegan meats. There are plenty of alternatives to choose from.
Next time you’re hosting a dinner party for your vegetarian or health-conscious friends, why not try mixing things up in the kitchen a little? Ground beef is a delicious classic in many recipes but there are plenty of healthy and tasty alternatives.
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