Description
This Best Taco Meat Recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, flavorful ground beef that’s quick and easy to prepare. With a homemade taco seasoning blend and simple ingredients, this skillet-cooked taco meat is ideal for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a weeknight dinner staple that guarantees savory, juicy results.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, petite diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 lb. 85/15 ground beef
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning OR
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the petite diced onion with a pinch of Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring often to prevent burning and to release its aroma.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, crumble the meat and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning or the combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper over the cooked meat. Add the tomato paste and pour in the water. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the meat mixture to slightly thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the taco meat and adjust with additional Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, or your favorite Mexican dishes and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking.
- The recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while browning the beef to ensure proper caramelization.
- This taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños along with the onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
