Taco Meat Ground Beef (Printer-Friendly)
Bold, seasoned ground beef for tacos, burritos, and more. Easy, versatile, and quick for busy families.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 pound ground beef, 80% lean
→ Seasonings
02 -
2 teaspoons chili powder
03 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
09 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Sauce
10 -
8 ounces tomato sauce
→ Optional add-ins
11 -
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
12 -
1 clove garlic, minced
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spatula, for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 -
If using, stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 -
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the meat. Stir well to combine and bloom the spices for 1 minute.
04 -
Pour in tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and flavors meld.
05 -
Taste taco meat and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Serve hot as filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or on salads and nachos.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Use 80% lean beef for optimal juiciness and flavor; drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
02 -
To make taco meat ahead, cool completely before transferring to airtight containers; refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
03 -
Avoid adding extra water; the tomato sauce supplies enough moisture without thinning the mixture.
04 -
Easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for beef.
05 -
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.