Pete Turner, founder of Illegal Pete’s, recalls that the homegrown Mexican chain tested several products at the time, but that none lived up to its standards — until now. This week, the company launched its first new menu item in more than fifteen years: a plant-based protein that resembles taco-seasoned ground beef crumbles.
According to Turner, Illegal Pete’s opted against vague terms like “unbelievable” beef and even vegan-centric marketing. Rather, he decided, “Let's just call it what it tastes like: Taco Night.”
While some may ridicule what's popularly known as “white people taco night," it holds a place of nostalgia for many, myself included. The quick-fix meal was a weeknight staple in my Midwest household. But more than a decade ago, I bid adieu to beef, and since then, though I generally prefer whole foods, I’ve sampled just about every imitation meat on the market.
Most, in my opinion, are solid alternatives that nix concerns around animal welfare. But are they an identical match to meat? With the magic of seasoning, the flavor can be, especially with something like taco crumbles. However, what many products lack is a similar bite.
What is Illegal Pete's Taco Night made from?
Around three years ago, Turner says, he was introduced to Plantly, a certified B Corporation that exclusively produces plant-based meat alternatives. Initially, pea protein formed the base of its “beef” crumbles, which Turner felt were close but still not quite there.Toward the end of 2023, Plantly chefs developed a new recipe with around four parts pea protein and one part upcycled mushrooms (the stems and mushroom bits that break off in production). “It totally brought the flavor there, the umami of a mushroom," notes Turner.
What does Taco Night at Illegal Pete's taste like?
The texture is what stunned me when I tasted Taco Night at Illegal Pete’s — it's spot on. You might not notice if you order it in a bowl with crunchy romaine, crispy potatoes and other ingredients, but when it's sprinkled on nachos or tucked into the bottom half of a hard taco shell, this juicy and flavorful plant-based protein really shines.I have to agree that compared to products centered on legumes alone, like the burgers made by plant-based robot chef SavorEat, the mushrooms add a greater level of savory richness. But don’t expect an earthy mushroom flavor — that is masked by chili powder, cumin and other classic taco seasonings. Turner says he’s not shy about admitting that the housemade spice blend took direct inspiration from Ortega and Old El Paso. Like those brands, this vegan protein is very mild, and suitable for kids and those sensitive to heat.
Taco Night boasts an incredible seventeen grams of protein per four-ounce serving, which is 190 calories. Per the USDA, the same amount of authentic ground steer has just sixteen grams of protein and 273 calories — nearly 45 percent more than this meatless alternative. Yet Taco Night tastes indulgent and in no way altered to be healthier. Its compelling nutritional panel is simply a bonus.
Turner says that Illegal Pete’s customers have been asking for this sort of menu item since the brand launched thirty years ago. “We're addressing a request for traditional ground beef as well as a plant-based protein. It's really gratifying when you can solve two problems with one really high-quality solution.”
He believes Taco Night was well worth the wait, and I agree. it’s the best alternative of its kind that I’ve come across yet.
Taco Night is now available at all thirteen Illegal Pete's locations in Colorado, which are also serving a new non-alcoholic menu, too, complete with a zero-proof version of its award-winning house margarita.
