I stumbled upon this recipe while looking for something to do with my chicken thighs and I am really intrigued!
https://passtheplants.com/vegan-ground-beefCompletely plant-based "meat substitute". I am not 100% sure how much I'd like it, but I wouldn't mind making a batch (apparently makes the equivalent of 3 pounds of ground beef) and then going half-and-half with meat if I'm not into it.
Cost analysis. Having to purchase everything (i.e. whole garlic bulb):
1 head of cauliflower, broken into large florets ($2.97)
8 ounces crimini or baby portobello mushrooms ($2.17)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces ($0.88)
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces ($0.72)
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled ($0.60)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (I use the julienne cut, packed dry) ($3.29, trader joe's)
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or walnuts ($2.36)
Total: $12.99, or $4.33 per "pound".
Compared to extra-lean ground beef: $5.47/lb for 96%, or $4.00/lb for 93%.
It would be obviously cheaper to scale it up into a double batch. Which would mean an extra head of cauliflower, double-mushrooms, an extra yellow onion. Everything else is included in the above purchase price.
Total for double-batch: $18.85, or $3.14 per "pound".