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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of ground beef?

Ground pork, Plant-based ground (Beyond, Impossible) and Ground turkey are the easiest swaps. Below: 5 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Ground pork. Use the same amount. Fattier, more tender.

Adjust: Direct swap.

  1. Ground pork

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Fattier, more tender.

    Flavor
    Richer.
    Texture
    More tender with higher fat.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Direct swap.
    Best for
    Any meatballs, Bolognese

  2. Plant-based ground (Beyond, Impossible)

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Designed as 1:1 beef replacement.

    Flavor
    Close to beef.
    Texture
    Same when browned.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Brown well for flavor.
    Best for
    Any recipe

    vegan

  3. Ground turkey

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Leaner. Add fat if juiciness needed.

    Flavor
    Milder.
    Texture
    Same but drier.
    Moisture
    Lower — add oil or panade.
    Adjust
    Use 85/15 fat ratio for similar juiciness.
    Best for
    Any recipe

  4. Lentils (cooked)

    Changes flavor or texture

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Whole food.

    Flavor
    Earthy.
    Texture
    Soft.
    Moisture
    High.
    Adjust
    Use 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils per 1 lb beef. Season aggressively.
    Best for
    Tacos, Bolognese, Toppings

    vegan

  5. Mushrooms (finely chopped)

    Changes flavor or texture

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Umami-rich. Sauté deeply.

    Flavor
    Savory umami.
    Texture
    Ground meat-like when finely chopped.
    Moisture
    Wilts — reduce liquid.
    Adjust
    Combine with lentils for best result.
    Best for
    Tacos, Bolognese

    vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for ground beef?

Ground pork is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Fattier, more tender.

What is a vegan substitute for ground beef?

Good vegan options are Plant-based ground (Beyond, Impossible), Lentils (cooked) and Mushrooms (finely chopped).

How much should I use instead of ground beef?

It depends on the swap. Ground pork: Use the same amount. Plant-based ground (Beyond, Impossible): Use the same amount. Ground turkey: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use ground beef

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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