My go-to Taco Meat Recipe! I use this base in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, crunchwraps, and more. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
author’s note
Make This Taco Meat Once and Thank Yourself All Week!
would say the most staple recipe in my home is taco meat. I honestly don’t think I go a full week without making it in some form, whether that’s walking tacos, burritos, nachos, or burrito bowls for dinner. It’s the easiest way I know to get my kids protein that they will actually eat and not complain about.
Over the years, I’ve really perfected this recipe. I learned pretty quickly that nothing beats a homemade taco seasoning. Packet seasoning works in a pinch, but when you have a few extra minutes, making your own is completely unmatched. This taco meat turns out moist and flavorful every single time, and it’s the kind of recipe I truly think everyone needs in their back pocket for busy weeknight dinners.
Taco Meat Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef (93/7) | 90/10 works too, just drain well |
| Olive Oil | Any neutral oil works |
| Tomato Paste | Choose high-quality for better flavor |
| Water | Add gradually for saucy meat |
| Homemade Taco Seasoning | Chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional beef bouillon |
How To Make This 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:
- Mexican Rice: Flavorful seasoned rice with tomatoes.
- Pinto Beans: Our favorite slow-cooked beans!
- Guacamole Recipe: Delicious topping on this Taco Meat!
- Salsa: Made in the blender.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn with mayo, cheese, and spices.
- Veggies: Roasted corn and peppers.
- Avocado Salsa: Simple salad with avocado and lime.
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:
Taco Meat Recipe
Equipment
- Large pan and wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef 93/7
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water up to 1/2 cup, as needed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder optional
- 1 cup diced yellow onion optional
- 1 to 2 teaspoon(s) minced garlic optional
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. If using, add 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 pan (high heat).
- Add ground beef to the pan. Let it sear 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 the seasonings (including beef bouillon powder). Drain off any grease.
- 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.
- Use taco meat as a filling for tacos, burritos, or any other dish of your choice!
Recipe Notes
- Tacos: Fill shells with meat and your favorite toppings.
- Burritos: Roll meat with rice, beans, and toppings.
- Nachos: Top chips with meat, cheese, and salsa.
- Quesadillas: Sandwich meat and cheese in tortillas.
- Crunchwraps: Fold meat, cheese, and toppings in tortillas.
- Enchiladas: Roll meat in tortillas with sauce and cheese.
- Taco Salad: Top lettuce with meat, veggies, and dressing.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill peppers with meat and bake.
- Loaded Taco Fries: Pile meat on fries with cheese and salsa.
- Taco Pizza: Use meat as pizza topping with cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I won’t make taco meat any other way after this recipe. I have a big batch of the homemade seasoning and will never run out!
Yay! I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks!