Best Ground Beef Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Ground turkey is leaner and milder. Use equal amounts, but cook slightly longer and monitor for dryness in baked dishes.
Looking for the best Ground Beef substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 8 reliable Ground Beef replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to keep things plant-based. The top pick is Ground Turkey — it's the closest match for most recipes. Ground turkey is leaner and milder. Use equal amounts, but cook slightly longer and monitor for dryness in baked dishes.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Ground Beef →All Ground Beef Substitutes (8 options)
Ground turkey is leaner and milder. Use equal amounts, but cook slightly longer and monitor for dryness in baked dishes.
Chorizo adds spice and fat; use slightly less as it is more flavorful and fatty than lean ground beef. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
Cooked chicken is leaner and milder in flavor than ground beef. Best in lighter dishes, casseroles, or mixed preparations; less suitable for bold meat-forward recipes.
Buffalo is leaner and slightly gamier than beef; use 1:1 ratio but watch for dryness since it has less fat. Great for burgers and lean preparations.
1:1 substitution by weight; chicken is leaner and milder in flavor. May require slightly more seasoning and won't brown as richly.
Ground pork is leaner and has a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than beef. Works well in tacos, sauces, and patties; may need slightly more seasoning to match beef's depth.
Venison is leaner and can taste gamey; use equal amounts but add extra fat (oil or butter) to prevent dryness and adjust seasoning for the stronger flavor.
Texture is similar but flavor is quite different. Best for highly seasoned dishes like tacos or chili where the soy taste blends in.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Ground Beef
For most recipes, Ground Turkey is the best starting point. Ground turkey is leaner and milder. Use equal amounts, but cook slightly longer and monitor for dryness in baked dishes. Going plant-based? Soy Crumbles is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. If you're unsure which Ground Beef substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Ground Beef Substitutes
The best substitute for Ground Beef is Ground Turkey. Use the same amount. Ground turkey is leaner and milder. Use equal amounts, but cook slightly longer and monitor for dryness in baked dishes.
This guide lists 8 Ground Beef alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Soy Crumbles is a great plant-based alternative to Ground Beef. Texture is similar but flavor is quite different. Best for highly seasoned dishes like tacos or chili where the soy taste blends in.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee