Best Taco Meat Recipe With Homemade Taco Seasoning
Delicious ground beef is perfectly browned with a variety of seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion, to create a flavorful mixture to serve in multiple Mexican-inspired dishes. Serve this taco meat with veggie rice, in traditional tacos, in taco salad, as a filling for stuffed jalapeno, peppers or mushrooms, or make beef enchiladas.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound of ground beef, lean
- ½ cup tomato puree, or sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a nonstick large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the beef until it is nicely browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. I prefer using lean ground meat for this.
- Return to the stove and add water, tomato puree, and seasonings. Take it to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Serve in tacos, taco salad, stuff jalapeno, mushrooms, or use as a stuffing in enchiladas.
VIDEO
NOTES
- Beef substitutions - Ground chicken and ground turkey are great substitutes for beef but this won’t be as flavorful and the taste is slightly different than the original version.
- Taco seasoning - Your own taco seasoning or use a pre-mixed store-bought taco seasoning mix.
- Salsa - Instead of tomato puree you can use enchilada sauce, hot or mild canned or fresh salsa.
- Crock Pot Taco Meat - You can also make the taco meat in your slow cooker. use the same ingredients and brown the beef in a skillet first to lock in the juicy beef flavor. Drain the excess fat and transfer the beef along with the remaining ingredients to the crock pot. Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fully cooked and tender. Once the taco meat is cooked, use a fork or a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- To Store. Let the meat cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container or food-safe storage bag. The meat will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- To Freeze. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let the meat cool, and transfer it to freezer bags. When ready to reheat, allow the beef to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or the stovetop.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Calories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 15gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 74mgPotassium: 349mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 397IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 2mg
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