Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the broth has been absorbed.
While the quinoa is cooking, finely dice the raw walnuts. This will help them blend seamlessly into the ground beef mixture, giving it a fantastic texture.
In a large skillet, combine the cooked quinoa, diced walnuts, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, marinara sauce, and oregano. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Place the skillet over medium heat and cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Your Plant-Based Ground Beef is now ready to be served! Use it in tacos, as a spaghetti sauce topping, or in any dish that calls for ground beef. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of a wholesome meal.