Tofu Taco Meat (with extra protein)

If you’re trying to eat more plants but still crave the familiar comfort foods you grew up with, you need a really good taco filling. Something savory, smoky, satisfying, and hearty enough that you don’t feel like you’re missing the meat.

It may sound surprising, but tofu is the answer. This smoky tofu taco filling — with black beans added for texture and extra plant protein — has all the bold taco flavor you want in an easy, practical recipe that actually fits real life. Perfect for tacos, burritos, taco bowls, or quick weeknight dinners, this might just become your new favorite plant-based taco meat.

A Few Quick Notes

• Don’t worry about pressing the tofu, you can crumble it right into the pan.
• Make sure you let the tofu get browned that added color adds flavor and a more meaty texture.
• Mash the black beans before adding them to the beans they will seem to disappear but will add a more meaty texture.
• The molasses adds depth of flavor and the added iron helps it taste a bit more like meat.
• If you are just getting started adding beans to meat is a great way to add beans to peoples diet without ttem knowing

Tofu Taco Meat (with black beans)

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This hearty taco filling is packed with plant protein and fiber, but still has all the savory, taco-night flavor everyone loves. Crumbled tofu and black beans cook down into a rich, meaty filling that works beautifully in tacos, burritos, bowls, or taco salads.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 block tofu, crumbled
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 jalapeño, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2-3 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoon molasses
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and lightly mashed
• 1/4 -1/2 cup water, as needed

Instructions

1. Cook the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño in a large skillet over medium heat until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Crumble tofu into the pan. Cook until the tofu begins to brown.
4. Ad the mixture with taco seasoning, tomato paste, and molasses.
5. Pour in a splash of water and stir well to combine.
6. Add the black beans and mash them lightly into the tofu mixture as it cooks.
7. Cook the filling until the liquid cooks off and the mixture is browned and savory.
8. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Tip

For the best flavor and texture, let the tofu cook until nicely browned.

Change It Up

You can swap the tofu for a veggie burger crumble or even ground beef. The black beans blend right in and add extra fiber and protein without changing the flavor much.

Now & Later

This filling keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or easy taco nights. Think Taco Salad, Burrito, Nachos or Burrito bowl.