5 Plant-Based Swaps for Your Favorite Meat Dishes

These super-simple recipe ideas will help you put a plant-based twist on your go-to meat dinners.

BY MEGHAN RABBITT

Maybe you’ve read about the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and your new #meatlessmonday tradition is already going strong. Or perhaps you’re already starting to see how eating less meat in favor of more plant-based foods is saving you big bucks at the grocery store.

Yet at some point, there’s a good chance you’ll crave your old go-tos—like a meat-filled breakfast burrito or a bacon cheeseburger for dinner. When that happens, it’s OK, says Wendy McMillan, a plant-based recipe developer and self-proclaimed health foodie. “There are so many choices available these days when it comes to plant-based swaps for animal protein,” she says. “Even better, each brings their own unique textures, flavors and health benefits—and most products offer the simplest one-to-one swaps for classic meat dishes.”

Not sure where to start? Here are several plant-based swaps for meat-filled favorites that’ll wow everyone at your table—even the doubters. “With the amazing range of plant-based products we have today, even the most skeptical carnivores will be bowled over with appreciation,” says McMillan.

Your fave:

Breakfast sandwich or scramble with bacon or sausage

The plant-based swap:

McMillan likes to give a traditional tofu scramble a twist by adding crumbled plant-based breakfast sausage, plus chopped onions, a handful of greens and nutritional yeast, which adds a slightly “cheesy” flavor.

Your fave:

A meat-filled chili

The plant-based swap:

This recipe, made with the same great stuff you likely use in your go-to chili—onions, garlic, beans, chili powder and other spices—swaps in OZO’s Plant-Based Mexican Seasoned Ground for the conventional meat you’d otherwise use. Butternut squash is an added bonus.

Your fave:

Tacos

The plant-based swap:

Just because you’re following a plant-based lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to forgo #tacotuesdays. Simply swap out the animal protein you’d typically use with a plant-based alternative. McMillan suggests adding lentils to your plant-based ground to add even more protein and fiber. For a fresh take on taco night, try this Taco Soup or set up a Taco Bar with your favorite toppings.

Your fave:

Spaghetti and Meatballs

The plant-based swap:

The great news here is that just because you’re following a plant-based meal plan doesn’t mean you have to live without meatballs! There are a plethora of plant-based meat options that you can spice, form and cook into meatballs the same as you would ground beef and drop in your favorite sauce and serve over spaghetti.

Your fave:

Asian lettuce wraps

The plant-based swap:

When a craving for Asian food strikes, like yummy lettuce wraps that are typically made with ground chicken, there is a tastier—and way healthier—option. No need to order takeout. These Sweet & Spicy Mango Lettuce Wraps are ready in 30 minutes or less and pack in just as much flavor (and a lot more nutrition) than your go-to order.

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