As more people adopt plant-based diets or simply want to reduce their meat intake, Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef has become a popular item. This meat-free crumble mimics the texture of real ground beef, making it a convenient substitute in recipes But to get the best results, you need to know how to cook it properly

Follow these tips and techniques to coax maximum flavor from Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef Turn this versatile product into deliciously satisfying meals the whole family will love.

Get to Know the Product

Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef is made from a blend of vital wheat gluten, soy protein and other seasonings. With a texture similar to real crumbled ground beef, it can stand in for meat in recipes like chili, tacos, pasta sauce, casseroles and more. Sold frozen in 12-ounce packages for around $3, it’s an affordable plant-based option.

When raw, the beefless beef smells yeasty and lacks much flavor on its own. But once cooked, it readily absorbs the flavors of sauces, spices and other ingredients. Approach it as a blank canvas you can turn into boldly seasoned dishes.

Cook in Small Batches

Avoid dumping the whole package into a skillet at once. Cooking too much Beefless Ground Beef at the same time makes it release moisture, resulting in a mushy texture.

For maximum browning and the best texture, sauté it in smaller batches. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil and cook only 1/3 to 1/2 of the package at a time.

Spread the crumbles out in an even layer in the skillet. Resist stirring initially so the beefless beef can brown. Then toss and continue cooking until heated through, about 5 minutes per batch.

Sauté Aromatics First

One key to boosting flavor is sautéing onion, garlic, spices and herbs first before adding the Beefless Ground Beef.

Sauté minced onion and garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Add spices like cumin, oregano, chili powder or curry powder and cook another minute to toast them. Deglaze with a splash of vegetable broth to lift any browned bits. This builds a flavorful base for the beefless beef.

Season Generously

Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef needs bold seasoning to taste great. Be generous with salt, pepper and other spices. Add them before, during and after cooking.

In tomato-based dishes like chili or pasta sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity. Umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste boost savory flavor.

Don’t be shy about seasoning. Because the base is quite bland on its own, it can handle assertive spicing. Load it up with the flavors you crave.

Customize the Texture

For a looser, crumbly texture similar to ground beef, sauté the Beefless Ground Beef just until heated through, about 5 minutes.

If you prefer a denser, drier meat-like texture, spread the crumbles in an even layer in a non-stick pan. Cook without stirring over medium heat until a crust forms on the bottom, about 10 minutes. Then toss and continue cooking until heated through.

For a crispy carnitas-style texture, spread the crumbles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, stir, then bake 10 more minutes until lightly browned.

Rinse for Sensitive Taste Buds

Some people detect an unpleasant aftertaste from the soy and wheat proteins. For milder flavor, rinse the Beefless Ground Beef before cooking.

Place crumbles in a strainer and rinse under running water for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Shake off excess moisture before adding to the pan. Rinsing removes some seasoning so be sure to add flavor back.

Handling Leftovers

Cooked Beefless Ground Beef keeps covered in the fridge 3 to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent drying out. Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Repurpose leftovers into tacos, burritos, rice bowls or sandwiches. Toss with barbecue sauce and pile on buns for plant-based sloppy Joes. Or use it in fried rice, stuffed peppers or lettuce wraps. With creative handling, leftovers stay fresh and appealing.

Cooking Ideas for Boldly Flavored Meals

Now that you know how to coax the most flavor from the beefless beef, it’s time to put your skills into action. Whip up these crave-worthy meals showcasing Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef at its best.

Zesty Mexican-Style Tacos

Loaded with Southwestern flavor, these hearty tacos satisfy like the real thing. Sauté spiced beefless beef, stuff into soft tortillas, and pile on all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
• Toppings: lettuce, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in oil for 3-5 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in spices and cook 1 minute more.

3. Add Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef and sauté 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps.

4. Add diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.

5. Spoon beefless beef mixture into warmed tortillas and add desired toppings.

Italian-Style Pasta Bolognese

This rich, meaty pasta sauce satisfies all your cravings. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles for a hearty Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 ounces pasta or zucchini noodles

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion, carrots and celery in oil until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

3. Add Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef and sauté until heated through, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, wine or broth, bay leaves and seasonings.

5. Simmer uncovered 20-30 minutes, until thickened.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

7. Serve over cooked pasta or veggie noodles.

Loaded Chili Cheese Fry Bake

For the ultimate comfort food, this cheesy casserole tops crisp oven fries with zesty beefless chili. Customize with your favorite chili flavors and toppings.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 russet potatoes, cut into fry shapes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 package Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef
• 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream, sliced jalapeños, cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss potato fries with oil, chili powder, cumin and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway.

2. Meanwhile, prepare chili. Sauté onion, jalapeño and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Add Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef, beans, tomatoes and spices. Simmer 15 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.

4. Spread chili over baked fries and top with shredded cheese. Bake 10 minutes more until melted.

5. Serve with desired toppings.

FAQs About Cooking Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef

If you’re new to plant-based eating, you probably have some questions about cooking with this meat substitute. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Store unopened packages in the freezer up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Cooked crumbles keep covered in the fridge 3 to 4 days.

What does it taste like?
Plain it tastes quite bland, but absorbs flavors of sauces and seasonings. Well seasoned, it makes a convincing ground beef substitute.

Can I cook it from frozen?
No, always thaw completely before cooking for best texture. Microwaving to thaw can make it mushy.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent drying out. Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave just until warmed through.

Can I bake with it?
Yes, you can add it to casseroles or mix into meatless meatloaf or meatballs. Avoid overmixing or the texture will get dense and rubbery.

What recipes work best?
Use it in strongly flavored saucy dishes like chili, pasta sauce, sloppy Joes, tacos or stuffed peppers where spices and sauces boost flavor.

Does it really taste like meat?
When well seasoned, it makes a convincing substitute in vegetarian dishes, but doesn’t truly replicate meat flavor. Enjoy it for what it is.

Satisfying, Nutritious and Easy to Love

With its meat-like texture and versatility, Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef makes plant-based cooking easy. Just remember these simple tricks to build big, bold flavors: sauté in batches, cook aromatics first, season generously and customize the texture to your liking.

In no time, you’ll whip up craveable tacos, hearty chili and saucy pasta dishes even meat-lovers will enjoy. So grab a bag of this protein-packed staple and start cooking up delicious meatless meals tonight.