Meat and poultry
Substitutes for ground beef
Ground beef brings fat and deep flavor. Leaner meats need a little help with both.
Safety: Cook ground beef and pork to 160°F (71°C) and ground turkey or chicken to 165°F (74°C).
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Ground turkey or chicken
- How much
- The same weight
- How
- Add 1 tbsp oil to the pan and a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for depth.
- What changes
- Leaner and milder; burgers and meatballs are a bit drier.
- Best in
- Tacos, chili, pasta sauce, meatballs.
-
Ground pork
- How much
- The same weight
- What changes
- Richer and slightly sweet.
- Best in
- Meatballs, meatloaf, dumplings.
-
Plant-based ground
- How much
- The same weight
- What changes
- Close in tacos and sauces; cooks faster. Many contain soy, wheat or coconut.
- Best in
- Tacos, chili, burgers.
-
Cooked lentils
- How much
- About 2 to 2½ cups cooked lentils for each pound
- What changes
- Earthy and soft, with more fiber; no browning.
- Best in
- Chili, tacos, sloppy joes, pasta sauce.
Simmerbee recipes with ground beef (15)
- Cheddar-Topped Beef Cottage Pie
- Cheesy Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
- Classic Baked Beef and Pork Meatballs
- Classic Beef and Bean Chili
- Classic Glazed Meatloaf
- Classic Grilled Hamburgers
- Classic Meat Sauce Lasagna
- Diner-Style Double Smash Burgers
- Ground Beef Taco Salad
- Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning
- Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
- Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls
- Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy
- Swedish-Style Meatballs in Creamy Gravy
- Weeknight Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
On those recipes, tap Swaps next to the ingredient for the short version.
More meat and poultry swaps
Ingredient guide: Ground beef: pick, store and measure