The Best Taco Meat Recipe (10 Minutes!)

Name: The Best Taco Meat Recipe (10 Minutes!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 lb 450g ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp tomato paste; ¼ cup 60ml water (optional, if you want it saucier)

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This Taco Meat Recipe is the perfect juicy seasoned ground beef, for flavorful tacos every time! Whether you are whipping up a speedy weeknight dinner or a taco night feast for friends, this foolproof recipe will be a big hit with everyone!

grey bowl filled with homemade taco meat garnished with fresh cilantro.

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Main Ingredients
Instructions to Make Taco Meat
Pro Tips
Why You Will Love This Taco Meat
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations & Substitutions
Storage & Reheating
More Delicious and Easy Recipes
Recipe
The Best Taco Meat Recipe (10 Minutes!)

Main Ingredients

White counter top with bowls of ingredients to make homemade taco meat.

Ground beef – The main feature of this recipe, delivering a juicy protein-packed base to soak up all of the amazing seasonings and flavors. And it makes for an absolutely killer filling for tacos, making them all hearty and filling.
Olive oil — Used for sautéing, it helps the onions and garlic cook evenly and keeps the meat from sticking to the pan. It further contributes subtle richness in a way that elevates both texture and flavor.
Black pepper — This simple but must-have spice gives a little warmth and lends more flavor complexity that balances out the taco meat without overwhelming the other spices.
Taco seasoning – A wonderful combination of spices such as cumin, paprika, chili powder and oregano, which gives the meat its iconic bold and smoky flavor, for incredibly delicious bites every time.
Onion — Onions, cooked, release natural sugars that, in addition to a little sweetness, add a soft texture and savory depth to the dish. They balance out the bold flavors of the taco seasoning.
Garlic – Freaking Jedi super ingredient that compounds and elevates the scent profiles while introducing a deep umami into the meat. It works with the other spices to create layers of flavor.
Tomato paste — This thick, concentrated ingredient deepens the color and texture of the taco meat and provides a subtle tangy sweetness that counterbalances the spices. It helps bind all that together, forming a saucy, flavorful mixture that’s great for stuffing into tortillas.

Instructions to Make Taco Meat

Sauté the aromatics – In a saucepan over a medium flame, heat olive oil and add diced onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Large sauté pan filled with sauteed diced onion.

Brown the meat – Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spoon. Brown the meat and cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat if necessary. Add black pepper and taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat.

Browned ground beef with taco seasoning, water, and tomato paste.

Add the tomato paste – Add in the tomato paste and water as needed (a splash or so), let any fresh ingredients mingle, and the mixture thicken. Simmer for a few, take off the heat and serve in warm tortillas with any and all of your favorite toppings!

Large sauté pan filled with homemade taco meat.

Pro Tips

Use 80/20 Ground Beef for Juicier Meat. Opting for ground beef with an 80/20 ratio (80 percent lean meat, 20 percent fat) also keeps your taco meat juicy and flavorful. The fat keeps the meat rich and prevents it from drying. If you want a leaner cut of beef, you might want to add a splash more broth or a little extra olive oil to keep things moist.
Cook the Taco Seasoning for Extra Depth of Flavor. Rather than simply combining the taco seasoning into your beef, sprinkle it over the meat once browned and allow to toast for 30 seconds before adding liquid. It also releases the essential oils in the spices, bringing out even more of the depth and fragrance of the seasoning mixture.
Simmer the Meat for a Few Minutes After You Add the Tomato Paste. You’ll stir in the tomato paste, let the meat girls a few minutes with a little water. It lets the flavors mingle, resulted in a more cohesive, saucy and better-seasoned taco filling. It also breaks down the texture, making it ideal for tacos.
Rest Your Meat Before You Serve It. After the taco meat is completely cooked, set it off the heat for 5 minutes before serving. This little rest gives the juices a chance to redistribute, so every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Why You Will Love This Taco Meat

Fast & Fun to Make – This taco meat takes just a handful of ingredients with a three-step process to achieve taco greatness! Perfectly seasoned taco meat can be on the table in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Full of Bold, Savory Flavor – With taco seasoning, garlic, onion, and tomato paste, this has a rich, balanced flavor with loads of spice and depth. Every bite is mouthwatering!
Versatile – This meat is not only best for tacos, but can also be used for burritos, nachos, quesadillas, taco salads, or meal prep bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can make the tacos low-carbs?

For tacos, substitute traditional tortillas for lettuce wraps, cheese shells, or low-carb tortillas. You could also make taco bowls by serving the taco meat over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice.

How much taco meat do you need per person?

You’ll need about ⅓ to ½ cup of taco meat per person on average, depending on the portion sizes and toppings. When feeding a crowd, plan for ¼ pound (4 ounces) of meat per person so you can give each of them a generous serving.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap Ground Beef for Other Proteins – Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, for a lighter alternative maintaining the same great seasoning. You could also use shredded beef or pulled pork for a different texture.
Make It Spicier — Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for some heat. A dash of cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning will also bring some heat.
Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Tomato Paste — If you like a fresher taste, you can also replace the tomato paste with diced fresh tomatoes or fire-roasted canned tomatoes. This will gives taco meat a more lightly chunky texture and a natural sweetness.
Go Low-Sodium – If you want to control the salt levels use a homemade taco seasoning mix and go for low-sodium tomato paste. It’s a great choice for anyone watching sodium levels but who still wants big flavors.
Make It Vegetarian — Replace the ground meat with lentils, crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms for a plant-based version. You’ll still experience all the same delicious taco flavors with a filling, meatless twist!

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Make sure the taco meat is completely cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer term storage.
Reheating: Heat refrigerated taco meat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep moisture. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

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