homemade taco meat recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
homemade taco meat recipe
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The Best homemade taco meat recipe

I’ve been making homemade taco meat for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping me mix the ingredients together, and my husband appreciates the fact that it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought taco meat.

I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this one remains my favorite. It’s simple to make, flavorful, and can be customized to suit any taste.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for family gatherings or game-day parties. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your pantry.

My family loves when I serve it with all the fixings – shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cilantro on top. It adds just the right amount of flavor and texture to make mealtime exciting.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – by making your own taco meat at home, you can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into it. This recipe is also gluten-free and can be made with lean ground beef for an added nutritional boost.

Homemade Taco Meat

Homemade Taco Meat

4.9 from 1615 votes

This homemade taco meat is a quick and flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Made with ground beef and a blend of spices, it comes together in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Taco Meat

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
4Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
5Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
6Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Add the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
8Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half and the meat is coated in a thick, flavorful sauce.
9Remove the skillet from heat and let the taco meat rest for 2 minutes before serving.
10The meat should be moist and well seasoned.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken and adjust cooking time as needed. You can also add a can of drained black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Taco Meat Works

This homemade taco meat recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. It’s incredibly easy to make in large quantities and can be customized to suit any taste.

Plus, by making your own taco meat at home, you can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into it. This recipe is also gluten-free and can be made with lean ground beef for an added nutritional boost.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Meat

Q: What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either lean or regular ground beef for this recipe. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use 90% lean or higher. However, if you want a more traditional taco meat flavor, you can use regular ground beef.

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