If you’re looking to enjoy comforting, savory dishes without any animal products, vegan mince is a fantastic ingredient to have in your kitchen arsenal. Vegan mince mimics the texture and versatility of ground meat but is made entirely from plant-based ingredients like soy, lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein.
This allows you to whip up traditional favorites like spaghetti Bolognese, chili, or tacos with a wholesome, cruelty-free twist. Not only is vegan mince delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy alternative for anyone wanting to reduce their meat consumption or embrace a fully vegan lifestyle.
In this post, you’ll discover some of the best vegan mince recipes that are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based meals, these recipes will inspire you to create hearty, satisfying dishes that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan mince recipes are loved for their incredible versatility and ease of preparation. They allow you to enjoy classic mince-based dishes with all the familiar flavors but without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with meat.
Vegan mince is typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice as well.
Moreover, these recipes often use pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making them budget-friendly and accessible. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, vegan mince dishes can be tailored to suit any palate—from spicy and bold to mild and comforting.
If you’re interested in exploring more vegan delights, check out the Julie Marie Eats Recipes for inspiration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP) or store-bought vegan mince
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Optional: chili flakes for heat
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Can opener
Instructions
- Rehydrate the TVP: Pour the vegetable broth over the textured vegetable protein in a mixing bowl and let it soak for about 10 minutes until it softens and absorbs the liquid.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the vegan mince: Drain any excess liquid from the TVP and add it to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Season and cook: Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to brown the mince slightly.
- Add tomato elements: Mix in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Final touches: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like spice, add chili flakes now.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a more meaty texture, try mixing finely chopped mushrooms with your TVP or vegan mince. Mushrooms add umami and moisture, making your dish extra hearty.”
- Switch up the base: Use lentils, black beans, or walnuts instead of TVP for different textures and flavors.
- Make it spicy: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or cayenne pepper for a smoky heat.
- Try different cuisines: Use vegan mince in tacos, shepherd’s pie, or even vegan meatballs with your favorite sauce.
- Bulk it up: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the sauce for extra nutrition and color.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 7g (mostly from olive oil) |
| Sodium | 450mg (can be reduced with low sodium broth) |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan mince recipe is a fantastic base for a variety of meals. Serve it over cooked spaghetti for a classic vegan Bolognese, or spoon it into taco shells with fresh avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce for a fiesta night.
You can also layer it into vegan lasagna or spoon it over baked potatoes with steamed greens. For a quick weeknight meal, toss it with rice or quinoa and a simple green salad.
For even more ideas, explore these related recipes: Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes, Johnny Carino’S Recipes Skilletini, and the hearty Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe (veganized, of course!).
Best Vegan Mince Recipes List
Classic Vegan Bolognese
- Ingredients: Vegan mince (TVP or lentils), crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, carrot, celery, olive oil, Italian herbs.
- Method: Follow the base recipe above. Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
- Tip: Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Spicy Vegan Chili Con Carne
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, kidney beans, black beans, corn, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, jalapeños.
- Method: Brown the vegan mince with onion and garlic, then add spices and beans. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until thick and rich.
- Tip: Serve with avocado slices and vegan sour cream.
Vegan Mince Shepherd’s Pie
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), vegetable broth, mashed potatoes, thyme, rosemary.
- Method: Cook vegan mince with veggies and herbs, layer in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden.
- Tip: Use sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist on the topping.
Vegan Mince Tacos
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, taco seasoning, corn tortillas, lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa.
- Method: Cook vegan mince with taco seasoning, fill tortillas, and top with fresh veggies.
- Tip: Add pickled onions or vegan cheese for extra zing.
Vegan Mince Sloppy Joes
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, tomato sauce, mustard, maple syrup, onion, garlic, burger buns.
- Method: Simmer vegan mince in a tangy sauce and serve on toasted buns.
- Tip: Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for texture.
Conclusion
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, kidney beans, black beans, corn, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, jalapeños.
- Method: Brown the vegan mince with onion and garlic, then add spices and beans. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until thick and rich.
- Tip: Serve with avocado slices and vegan sour cream.
Vegan Mince Shepherd’s Pie
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), vegetable broth, mashed potatoes, thyme, rosemary.
- Method: Cook vegan mince with veggies and herbs, layer in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden.
- Tip: Use sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist on the topping.
Vegan Mince Tacos
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, taco seasoning, corn tortillas, lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa.
- Method: Cook vegan mince with taco seasoning, fill tortillas, and top with fresh veggies.
- Tip: Add pickled onions or vegan cheese for extra zing.
Vegan Mince Sloppy Joes
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, tomato sauce, mustard, maple syrup, onion, garlic, burger buns.
- Method: Simmer vegan mince in a tangy sauce and serve on toasted buns.
- Tip: Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for texture.
Conclusion
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, taco seasoning, corn tortillas, lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa.
- Method: Cook vegan mince with taco seasoning, fill tortillas, and top with fresh veggies.
- Tip: Add pickled onions or vegan cheese for extra zing.
Vegan Mince Sloppy Joes
- Ingredients: Vegan mince, tomato sauce, mustard, maple syrup, onion, garlic, burger buns.
- Method: Simmer vegan mince in a tangy sauce and serve on toasted buns.
- Tip: Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for texture.
Conclusion
Vegan mince is a wonderful ingredient that opens up a world of delicious, nutritious, and compassionate cooking. With these recipes, you can easily create satisfying meals that prove plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort.
From classic Bolognese to spicy chilis and cozy shepherd’s pies, vegan mince is your go-to for quick and hearty dishes.
Experiment with different spices, veggies, and bases to keep your meals exciting and tailored to your tastes. And remember, cooking vegan doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about using simple, wholesome ingredients to make food that feels like a warm hug.
Don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe or the indulgent Marzipan Challah Recipe to round out your plant-based meal plan. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Mince Recipes
Description: A versatile and flavorful vegan mince recipe perfect for tacos, pasta, or stir-fries. Made with plant-based ingredients that mimic the texture and taste of traditional mince.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rehydrate TVP in vegetable broth for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and carrot; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in rehydrated TVP, soy sauce, tomato paste, and spices.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and use as desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 15 g
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