This TVP taco meat recipe is the best meaty vegan alternative to taco meat. It mimics the texture and flavor of ground beef for tacos perfectly, thanks to rehydrated TVP and homemade taco seasoning mix.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!
TVP taco meat is so versatile and recreates both the texture and the taste of ground beef perfectly. If you are looking for real beef-like vegan taco meat, this is the closest you will ever get.
There is nothing better than a good vegan ground beef recipe. Some of my favorites include meatballs, burgers, lasagna, or moussaka.
Jump to:
❤️ Why you’ll love it
I love how this TVP taco meat recipe is not only incredibly simple to make but also delivers on both texture and flavor, just like traditional ground beef.
The trick is using TVP or textured vegetable protein. It is a meaty vegan alternative that is versatile and a great source of plant-based protein.
It is a cinch to make it too. By rehydrating the TVP in the veggie broth and then frying it up with the taco seasoning and other spices, you get a delicious, savory filling that is perfect for stuffing into tacos, burritos, or even adding to a taco salad.
Plus, the ingredients used are all easy to find, making this recipe a go-to for me whenever I need a quick and tasty meal that is also healthy and satisfying.
Subscribe to our newsletters and download it right now.
🧾 Key ingredients
This TVP taco meat recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you can get at any local grocery store. You might even have some of these ingredients in your pantry already.
Textured Vegetable Protein (or TVP) is the star of this recipe. When rehydrated, this high-protein, soy-based ingredient has a texture similar to ground meat.
Veggie broth and olive oil are essential for adding flavor and moisture to the TVP. The broth helps to rehydrate the TVP, infusing it with a savory flavor, while the olive oil adds a touch of richness.
Garlic and onion powder are the key seasonings in this recipe. They add a depth of flavor that is characteristic of traditional taco meat.
🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
🥘 Equipment
To make this delicious TVP taco meat, you will need is a good quality frying pan or skillet. This is where the rehydrated TVP and the flavorful taco seasoning mix come together to form a delicious, meaty filling for your tacos. I personally love to use a cast-iron skillet for this recipe, as it distributes the heat evenly and helps to achieve the perfect texture for the TVP.
👩🍳 Instructions
Preparing the ingredients
STEP 1
Boil water and add vegetable stock or bring vegetable broth to a boil.
STEP 2
Soak the TVP in the hot vegetable broth for 10 minutes. You can use a heat-resistant bowl or saucepan for this.
STEP 3
After 10 minutes, squeeze the liquid out of the TVP with your hands. You want the TVP to be moist and soft, resembling minced meat.
Making the TVP taco meat
STEP 1
Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium to high heat.
STEP 2
Add olive oil to the pan, then add the softened TVP. Stir to combine.
STEP 3
Add the taco seasoning mix, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan. Mix well to ensure the TVP is coated with the seasonings. Continue to fry the TVP for about 5 minutes. You want them to become crispy on the edges.
STEP 5
Once the TVP is crispy, your meatless taco meat is ready to be added to your favorite tacos.
💡 Expert tip
The key to achieving the best texture for your TVP taco meat is in the preparation of the TVP itself. Once you have soaked the TVP in the hot veggie broth, be sure to squeeze out the liquid thoroughly. This simple step ensures that the TVP has a moist, soft texture, similar to traditional minced meat, ready to absorb the flavors of the taco seasoning mix.
🔄 Variations
If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the taco seasoning mix. This will give your TVP taco meat a delicious, smoky twist that pairs perfectly with the other spices.
For a touch of heat, incorporate a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the seasoning. It will spice up your vegan taco meat, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.
If you are a fan of fresh herbs, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro to the TVP. This will give your vegan taco meat a refreshing twist and add a pop of color to your tacos.
🥣 Serving ideas
The most obvious one is serving them in a hard shell tacos or rolled up in a tortilla with other ingredients.
This TVP taco meat is a versatile and delicious addition to many plant-based dishes. I love to use it in my vegan taco soup for a hearty and satisfying meal.
It also works great in a vegan Mexican rice casserole. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
If you are a fan of Chipotle, consider making a copycat Chipotle veggie bowl at home. Fill your bowl with this TVP taco meat, some rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole for a delicious and healthy meal.
You can also use it in vegan fajitas, veggie burritos, or even as a topping for your favorite salad. The options are endless, and this TVP taco meat is sure to become a staple in your plant-based kitchen.
❄️ Storing tips
Storing and reheating TVP taco meat is a simple process that does not compromise the flavor or texture of the dish.
To store, allow the taco meat to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.
I do not recommend freezing it, as the texture of the TVP can become spongy and less appealing when thawed.
To reheat the TVP taco meat, simply heat a skillet over medium heat and add the taco meat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave by heating it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval to ensure even heating.
🤔 FAQs
Can I use water instead of veggie broth to rehydrate the TVP?
No, I do not recommend it. The veggie broth adds a lot of flavor to the TVP, which is essential for making it tasty. If you don’t have veggie broth, you can use water and add some extra spices to compensate for the lack of flavor.
Why do I need to squeeze the liquid out of the TVP?
You need to squeeze the liquid out of the TVP to achieve the right texture. If the TVP is too wet, it will not absorb the flavors of the taco seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Squeeze the liquid out until the TVP is moist but not dripping.
Do I have to fry the TVP after rehydrating it?
Frying the TVP after rehydrating it is optional, but I highly recommend it. It gives the TVP a nice, crispy texture and brings out the flavors of the taco seasoning. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can skip the frying step, it will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
You can use any other cooking oil that you prefer. The purpose of the oil is to prevent the TVP from sticking to the pan and to help the taco seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder to stick to the TVP. Any type of oil will work for this.
More tvp recipes
Start with checking out these must-try vegan tvp recipes or choose from these featured recipes:
THANK YOU so much for visiting our website. Please comment below if you have tried this recipe. We LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, please don’t forget to give us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ RATING. We appreciate all of our readers.
⇒ GET OUR FREE 7-DAY VEGAN MEAL PLAN E-BOOK NOW! OR CHECK OUT ALL VEGAN MEAL PLAN RECIPES! ⇐
Meaty Vegan TVP Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 1 cup TVP (Soy) -> What is TVP?
- 1 cup Veggie broth
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 + ½ Tbsp Taco seasoning mix
- ¼ tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
- Boil water in a kettle and add veggie stock or bring veggie broth to boil. Take a heat-resisting bowl or saucepan and soak TVP in the hot veggie broth for 10 minutes.
- When the time is up, squeeze the liquid out with your hands. As a result, you need to have moist, soft “minced meat”.
- Preheat your frying pan or skillet over medium to high heat.
- Add olive oil and softened TVP. Stir.
- Add taco seasoning mix, onion powder and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Fry the TVP for about 5 minutes to get them crispy on the edges a bit. Now, your meatless taco meat is ready to add to any tacos.
Carol
Absolutely the best taco meat for vegans or those wanting to add a bit less meat into their meals. So easy & very tasty! Making it again this morning to add to breakfast burritos.