Crave-Worthy: Cauliflower Taco Meat with Mushrooms and Walnuts

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A Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Menopause & Metabolism Specialist and Executive Wellness Coach helping busy menopausal women crack the code to living a healthy lifestyle so You Feel Great & Love Your Body!

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If you’ve been looking for a plant-based dinner that actually satisfies, this cauliflower taco meat with mushrooms and walnuts is for you! It’s cozy, flavor-packed, and shockingly good (even my hubby was surprised 😄).

Whether you’re trying to eat more plant-based, support your hormones, or just want a new taco night staple, this recipe delivers, I use it as a meat replacement and a super tasty side dish. Bonus: it’s low-carb, anti-inflammatory, and loaded with ingredients that love your body back – especially in perimenopause and menopause.

Let’s dig into why this recipe is worth saving (and sharing)!

1. It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber

This trio or cauliflower, mushrooms, and walnuts works hard for you. It give you the fiber your gut thrives on, the protein that keeps you full, and the texture you crave in a taco filling. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Want to keep blood sugar steady and feel satisfied after eating? This combo’s got your back.

Source: Medical News Today

2. It’s anti-inflammatory and hormone-friendly

Every ingredient in this mix does double-duty. Walnuts give you healthy fats that support brain health and hormone production. Cauliflower is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which is great for estrogen detox and liver support. And the spices? Total inflammation fighters.

This recipe fits beautifully into a hormone-supportive lifestyle, especially during perimenopause and menopause when your body needs a little extra love.

Source: WebMD

3. It’s indulgent without the carbs that slow you down

This is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent but won’t leave you bloated, sleepy, or dealing with a sugar crash 30 minutes later. The combo of fat, fiber, and spice hits all the satisfaction markers, without relying on refined carbs.

You get to feel good and eat something that actually tastes good. Win-win!

4. It’s surprisingly simple to make

All you need is a food processor and baking sheet. You pulse the veggies and nuts, toss with seasonings, and roast. That’s it. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes that’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday batch cooking.

I personally use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium, soy-free option. And I love adding extra mushrooms for a meatier umami-rich flavor.

5. It’s a cravings crusher you can use in so many ways!

Obviously, it makes an amazing taco filling. BUT don’t stop there.

Add it to burrito bowls, scoop it into lettuce wraps, or serve it as a warm, savory side with roasted veggies. It’s endlessly versatile and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Seriously, this stuff is good. Even my hubby was surprised!

The Full Recipe – Cauliflower Taco Meat with Mushrooms and Walnuts

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Cauliflower Taco Meat with Mushrooms and Walnuts

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  • Author: Lora Ulrich
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Plant Based

Description

A savory, meat-free taco filling made from cauliflower, mushrooms, and walnuts full of flavor, plant-powered protein, and hormone-friendly goodness. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, lettuce wraps, or a hearty side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small head cauliflower
  • 4 oz fresh mushrooms
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

  2. Lightly pulse the mushrooms in a food processor until you have a rice-like consistency

  3. Now pulse (or chop) the walnuts to the same consistency and mix in a large bowl

  4. Remove the core and leaves of your cauliflower and cut into small pieces

  5. Pulse the cauliflower to the same consistency and add to bowl

  6. Stir in soy sauce and mix

  7. Stir in spices and mix well, making sure everything is mixed thoroughly

  8. Spread mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes

  9. Stir lightly and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes


Final Thoughts

This cauliflower taco meat with mushrooms and walnuts is more than just a meatless option – it’s a hormone friendly, metabolism-supporting, flavor-filled meal you’ll actually look forward to.

On top of that, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to nourish your body without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to scale up for meal prep.

Have you tried a plant-based taco filling before? Would you use this as a main or a side? Drop a comment and let me know!

And if you loved this recipe, pin it, share it, or follow me for more clean + craveable recipes that actually work for midlife wellness.

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    FAQs about

    How do you add cauliflower to taco meat?

    Pulse cauliflower in a food processor and mix with mushrooms and walnuts to create a hearty taco filling.

    How long to soak walnuts for walnut meat in water?

    Soak walnuts for 4-6 hours or overnight to soften them before using in walnut meat.

    What sauce goes with cauliflower tacos?

    Guacamole, salsa, or a creamy avocado dressing complement cauliflower tacos perfectly.

    Can you use walnuts as a meat substitute?

    Yes, walnuts provide a meaty texture and healthy fats, making them a great meat substitute in plant-based dishes like tacos.

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