Taco Meat Recipe

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Our go-to Taco Meat Recipe! We use this base in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, crunchwraps, and more. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

Taco Meat Recipe in the pan ready to be served.

This Taco Meat Recipe Is…

  1. Quick and Easy: Fast and perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful: The best blend of seasonings!
  3. Lean protein: Uses 93/7 lean ground beef.
  4. Versatile: Great for tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
  5. Budget-friendly: Enjoy more-affordable restaurant-quality taco meat.
  6. Great for meal prep: Make a batch to use later in various dishes.

All the ingredients used in this recipe prepped out for easy assembly.

Taco Meat Recipe Ingredients

  • Olive oil: Substitute other oils if desired.
  • Lean ground beef (93/7): Lean beef works great with our seasoning blend — less fat without any flavor sacrifice.
  • Tomato paste: Choose high-quality for better flavor.
  • Water: Gradually add for meat consistency control.
  • Seasoning blend: Includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion and garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.

Optional:

  • Beef Bouillon Powder: Boosts beefy and umami flavor.
  • Yellow onion and minced garlic: Enhances flavor and texture.

Beef, seasonings, tomato paste, and water being added to the skillet for this Taco Meat Recipe.

How To Make Our Taco Meat Recipe

  • Heat oil: Warm oil in a skillet.
  • Cook beef: Add beef and break it up.
  • Seasoning blend: Sprinkle with seasoning.
  • Tomato paste and water: Mix in tomato paste and water.
  • Simmer: Cook until water evaporates.
  • Serve: Enjoy in your favorite Mexican dishes!

Great Side Dishes:

  1. Mexican Rice: Flavorful seasoned rice with tomatoes.
  2. Pinto Beans: Our favorite slow-cooked beans!
  3. Guacamole Recipe: Delicious topping on this Taco Meat!
  4. Salsa: Made in the blender.
  5. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn with mayo, cheese, and spices.
  6. Veggies: Roasted corn and peppers.
  7. Avocado Salsa: Simple salad with avocado and lime.

An assembled taco ready to be enjoyed.

STORAGE

Meal Prep

Store leftovers of this Taco Meat Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or heat in a skillet until warm.

We love these meal prep containers!

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes:

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Taco Meat Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Our go-to Taco Meat Recipe! We use this base in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, crunchwraps, and more. It's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Taco meat recipe in the pan ready to be served.
Print Recipe

Taco Meat Recipe

Taco meat recipe in the pan ready to be served.
5 from 1 vote
Our go-to Taco Meat Recipe! We use this base in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, crunchwraps, and more. It's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Healthy
Keyword Taco Meat Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Chelsea Lords
Calories 200kcal
Cost $7.12

Equipment

  • Skillet and wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb. lean (93/7) ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup water Up to ½ cup, as needed
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, paprika, onion and garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon each: oregano, saltpepper
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder, optional
  • Optional: 1 cup diced yellow onion and 1-2 tsp minced garlic

Instructions

  • OPTIONAL GARLIC and ONION: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. If using, add the optional diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes or until they start to turn golden. If not using onion and garlic, simply heat the oil in the skillet (high heat).
  • BEEF: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Let it sear for 1 minute without disturbing, then start breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once the beef starts changing color from red to pink, add all of the seasonings. Drain off any grease.
  • FINISH: Stir in the tomato paste and gradually add water, just enough to deglaze the pan and moisten the meat. Continue cooking until the water mostly evaporates, leaving the beef mixture juicy but not watery. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • ENJOY: Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or any other dish of your choice.

Recipe Notes

Our Favorite Ways To Use Taco Meat:
  1. Tacos: Fill shells with meat and your favorite toppings.
  2. Burritos: Roll meat with rice, beans, and toppings.
  3. Nachos: Top chips with meat, cheese, and salsa.
  4. Quesadillas: Sandwich meat and cheese in tortillas.
  5. Crunchwraps: Fold meat, cheese, and toppings in tortillas.
  6. Enchiladas: Roll meat in tortillas with sauce and cheese.
  7. Taco Salad: Top lettuce with meat, veggies, and dressing.
  8. Stuffed Peppers: Fill peppers with meat and bake.
  9. Loaded Taco Fries: Pile meat on fries with cheese and salsa.
  10. Taco Pizza: Use meat as pizza topping with cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 515mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 3mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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