Name: Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the taco meat: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal) 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning) 1/4 cup water (or beef broth) Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole For Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional): 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1 teaspoon salt

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade ground beef taco meat is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also customizable to suit your flavor preferences. You can adjust the spice levels, add extra veggies, or even make it leaner by using ground turkey or chicken. The best part is that you control the seasoning, ensuring that it’s as flavorful as you want. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, preparing a weeknight meal, or meal prepping for the week, this taco meat is versatile, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for a balance of flavor and juiciness)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning, see below)
1/4 cup water (or beef broth for more flavor)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole

For Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef:

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

2. Add the onion and garlic:

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Season the meat:

If you’re using store-bought taco seasoning, add the seasoning packet and 1/4 cup of water (or beef broth) to the skillet. Stir well to combine, making sure the seasoning coats the beef mixture evenly. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.

If you’re using homemade taco seasoning, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt in the skillet with the beef. Add 1/4 cup of water (or beef broth) and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.

4. Simmer and adjust:

Taste the taco meat and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. If you want a saucier mixture, add a little more water or broth.

5. Serve:

Once the taco meat is cooked and the flavors have blended, remove from heat. Serve it in taco shells, tortillas, or over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad. Top with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes enough for about 8 tacos or 4 servings (depends on serving size)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Lean meat: Use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu, lentils, or black beans for a vegetarian taco filling.
Spicy taco meat: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use jalapeños in the mix for added heat.
Extra veggies: Stir in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat taco meat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef with a lower fat content?

Yes, you can use leaner ground beef (such as 90/10), but the meat may be a bit drier. You can add a splash of beef broth or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it moist.

2. Can I make taco meat ahead of time?

Yes! Taco meat can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for meal prepping or making tacos in a hurry.

3. Can I freeze leftover taco meat?

Yes, taco meat freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! You can add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the meat while it cooks to kick up the heat.

5. Can I use a different type of seasoning?

Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings. Taco seasoning packets often contain a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices. You can adjust these to your taste.

6. How do I prevent taco meat from being greasy?

If you’re using fatty ground beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after cooking the meat. Alternatively, use leaner cuts of meat like ground turkey or lean ground beef.

7. Can I use this taco meat for something other than tacos?

Yes! You can use the ground beef taco mixture in burritos, taco salads, nachos, or even over rice for a quick and easy meal.

8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make taco meat in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off cooking option. For the slow cooker, add the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. In an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then naturally release.

9. How do I make homemade taco seasoning?

To make homemade taco seasoning, simply combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts based on your flavor preferences.

10. Can I add cheese to the taco meat?

Yes, you can stir in some shredded cheese at the end of cooking to make the taco meat cheesy, or sprinkle it on top when serving.

Conclusion

Homemade ground beef taco meat is a quick and flavorful base for any taco night. With simple ingredients and customizable seasoning, you can make a filling that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying classic tacos, burritos, or nachos, this taco meat recipe is versatile, delicious, and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef:

2. Add the onion and garlic:

3. Season the meat:

4. Simmer and adjust:

5. Serve:

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef with a lower fat content?

2. Can I make taco meat ahead of time?

3. Can I freeze leftover taco meat?

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?

5. Can I use a different type of seasoning?

6. How do I prevent taco meat from being greasy?

7. Can I use this taco meat for something other than tacos?

8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

9. How do I make homemade taco seasoning?

10. Can I add cheese to the taco meat?

Conclusion

Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition