Tofu Ground Beef Crumbles

These tofu ground beef crumbles are seasoned, baked until crispy, and made to use anywhere you'd normally use ground beef, like tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, pasta sauce, and more!

They're a simple, plant-based alternative that adds texture and flavor to your favorite meals without needing store-bought vegan ground beef.

This recipe comes together in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients and is perfect for meal prep.

Ingredient Notes

This tofu ground beef recipe is made with simple ingredients and can easily be customized based on how you plan to use it.

Tofu: Super-firm or extra-firm tofu works best. If using extra-firm, press for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess water and help it crisp up.

Olive Oil: Don't skip the oil! It helps the crumbles brown and crisp properly in the oven. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral oil.

Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and flavor. Use tamari if needed.

Nutritional Yeast: Adds a subtle savory, umami flavor.

Seasonings: I used smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Adjust based on the dish you're making.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make This Recipe

This recipe is simple to make and comes together in just a few steps.

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and seasonings.

Step 2: Crumble the tofu into small pieces, then toss it in the seasoning mixture until well coated. I find using clean hands works best to really get everything evenly coated.

Step 3: Spread the tofu crumbles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 4: Bake for 27-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Substitutions & Variations

These tofu crumbles are easy to customize depending on how you plan to use them.

Sauté with aromatics: After baking, combine the crumbles with sautéed diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor. This works especially well for tacos, pasta sauces, or stir-fries.

Add smokiness: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but a few drops of liquid smoke can take it a step further.

Change the seasoning: Keep it neutral or adjust based on your dish. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for pasta, or more chili powder, cumin, and coriander for tacos and burritos.

Make it more savory: A splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce adds a deeper, richer flavor.

Mix into meals: Combine the crumbles with vegetables, grains, or beans to build a more filling meal.

Serving Ideas

They can be used in a variety of meals including:

• Tacos: Fill taco shells or tortillas with the crumbles and top with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, and vegan sour cream.
• Burrito bowls: Add them to a vegan burrito bowl with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
• Stir-fries: Toss with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, then add a stir-fry sauce or a sticky and sweet orange teriyaki sauce and serve over rice or noodles.
• Pasta dishes: Use in vegan bolognese or stir into soups.
• Nachos or burritos: Sprinkle over nachos or use as a filling for burritos and enchiladas.

Tips & Tricks

I've tested a few different ways to make tofu crumbles, and baking them is my favorite because it gives them a crisp texture that works really well in tacos and bowls without needing to stand over the stove.

Press the tofu: Even a quick 10-15 minute press makes a noticeable difference. Without it, the crumbles tend to stay softer instead of getting that slightly crispy texture. If using super-firm, this can be skipped!

Crumble size matters: I like breaking the tofu into very small, uneven pieces instead of perfect crumbles. The rough edges get crispier in the oven and give you better texture.

Don't overcrowd the pan: I've found this is the fastest way to end up with soft, not crispy crumbles. Give them space, even if it means using two baking sheets.

Stir halfway through baking: This helps them cook evenly and crisp on all sides.

Bake longer for a drier texture: If you want a more crumbly, slightly "meaty" texture (especially for tacos), bake them a few extra minutes.

Let them cool slightly: The crumbles will firm up a bit after coming out of the oven, so don't worry if they feel slightly soft at first.

Storage

Refrigerate: Allow the tofu crumbles to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or warm on the stovetop until heated through.

Freeze: You can freeze the crumbles, but the texture will change slightly. They work best after freezing when added to dishes like pasta sauces, tacos, or burrito bowls. Thaw before reheating.

Don't forget to leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating down below if you try this recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram for more recipes and updates.