This vegan meat crumble recipe we're calling "magic" meat is an excellent substitute for ground meat.
It can be used in spaghetti both as a Ragu Bolognese sauce and to make vegan meatballs. The vegan meatball recipe adds Italian seasoning and fennel seeds. Check out Spaghetti Ragu with Meatballs.
This vegan meat substitute can also be used in tacos, tostadas, and taquitos, with the addition of ground cumin and chili powder. Check out the "Magic" Meat and Bean Tostadas recipe.
You could also season it with a Za'atar seasoning blend to give it a Mediterranean flavor.
While there are several variations, the base of this vegan meat is made with these six ingredients.
This vegan "Magic" Meat has 6 key ingredients:
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Walnuts
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Coconut aminos

How to Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 177°C).
You'll need a food processor, large baking sheet and a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prepare this nutritious goodness.
Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Then pulse mushrooms, and add to the mixing bowl. Finally, pulse the walnuts and add to the same mixing bowl. Don't worry if there are a few chunks of cauliflower, mushroom or walnuts.

Add the onion powder, garlic powder and coconut aminos, and stir well to incorporate. Spread evenly onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure to carefully stir the mixture around a few times during baking.


Frequently Asked Questions
Many processed vegan meats are made with pea protein, oils and other ingredients difficult to pronounce. The saturated fat content can be high and nutrient-density is often very low. This vegan meat recipe is made with whole plant foods: cauliflower, mushrooms, and walnuts.
The healthfulness of vegan or plant-based meat depends on the ingredients. This vegan meat recipe is healthy because its made with whole plant foods. The processed, store-bought kind is often made with ingredients with low nutrient-density, but high calorie-density. So, if health is a concern to you, it's best to make your own plant-based meat at home.
Leftovers of this vegan "magic" meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

"Magic" Meat
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan meat recipe we're calling "magic" meat is an excellent substitute for ground meat. It can be used as a base to make vegan meatballs, tacos, and more! This tasty recipe is made with only six ingredients: cauliflower, mushrooms, walnuts, garlic powder, onion powder and coconut aminos. #veganmeatrecipes #veganmeatballrecipe #cauliflower #mushrooms #walnuts #healthyveganrecipes #danielfastrecipes
Ingredients
- 1 head of small cauliflower
- 1 ½ cup mushrooms
- ¾ cup walnuts
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp onion powder
- 2 Tbsp coconut aminos (or 1 Tbsp regular aminos)
Instructions
Add the small head of cauliflower to the food processer and pulse until rice-like but not creamy. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add mushrooms to the food processor and pulse until rice-like. Transfer mushrooms to the large mixing bowl with the cauliflower. Pulse the walnuts until minced and stir into the cauliflower and mushroom mixture.
Add the seasonings to the mixture and stir until well combined. Place the mixture into the oven on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for about 40–45 minutes, turning 2 to 3 times, until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside. Use this magic meat as a based for Spaghetti or Tostadas.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: Stovetop & Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ground meat substitute, vegan meat recipes, vegan meats, vegan meatball recipe, magic meat, minced magic meat, cauliflower, walnuts, mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, coconut aminos, soy free, gluten free
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[…] Who’s up for guilt-free spaghetti ragu with meatballs? When I hear, you can’t have tasty, satisfying comfort food that is also good for you, my response is “Nonsense!” The tomato sauce in this recipe uses the Super Simple Marinara Sauce as the base. The ragu and meatballs used in this delicious meal are made from “Magic” Meat. […]