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Ground Beef
ProteinMinced beef for burgers, meatballs, tacos, chili, bolognese, and more.
4 tested substitutes
·Most popular swap: Ground Turkey
Substitutes
Ground Turkey
1:1
Leaner, milder. Dark meat turkey has more flavor. Add oil for burgers.
✅Best for: tacos, meatballs, chili, bolognese
⚠️Not for: burgers needing beefy flavor
Ground Pork
1:1
Richer, fattier. Great mixed 50/50 with beef.
✅Best for: meatballs, dumplings, bolognese
⚠️Not for: lean recipes
Lentils (cooked)
1 cup per 1/2 lb beef
Brown or green lentils for best meaty texture. Season well.
✅Best for: bolognese, tacos, chili, shepherd's pie
⚠️Not for: burgers, meatballs
Mushrooms (finely chopped)
1 lb per 1 lb beef
Finely dice, sauté until deeply browned. Incredible umami. Mix 50/50.
✅Best for: burgers, bolognese, tacos, meatloaf
⚠️Not for: meatballs needing firm texture