hamburger taco meat recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best hamburger taco meat recipe

I’ve been making hamburger taco meat for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love it when I serve it in tacos, but I also like to use it in burritos, quesadillas, and even as a topping for baked potatoes. This recipe is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to fit our tastes.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some protein and fiber into our diets without breaking the bank. I like to think of this recipe as a blank canvas – you can add your own favorite toppings and sauces to make it your own. The best part?

It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with the family. My husband loves it when I serve it with some crusty tortillas, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. And the kids?

They’re happy with just the basics – ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Either way, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. I’ve tried making this recipe with ground turkey or chicken before, but there’s just something about the beef that makes it taste like home.

Maybe it’s the richness of the meat or the depth of flavor that comes from browning it in a pan. Whatever the reason, this recipe has become a staple in our household because of its comforting taste and versatility.

Hamburger Taco Meat

4.8 from 1228 votes

A quick and flavorful ground beef filling seasoned with classic taco spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or taco salads.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Taco Meat

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup beef broth or water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
4Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5Drain off any excess fat if desired.
6Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
7Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine.
9Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
10Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
11The mixture should be moist but not watery.
12Remove the skillet from heat and let the taco meat rest for 2 minutes before serving.
13Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your preferred spice level. Leftover taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Hamburger Taco Meat Works

This hamburger taco meat recipe is always a good idea whether we’re having tacos on Tuesday or Friday night dinner at home.

My kids love helping me assemble their own tacos with all their favorite toppings – cheese, lettuce tomatoes sour cream etcetera – while I’m reheating some leftover taco ‘meat’ from last night’s dinner party prep earlier today over medium heat inside one side pot big steam vent open so nothing gets too soggy during service hours tomorrow evening – all things considered now might sound like bunch ideas mixing together but trust me folks whole fam loves eating delicious homemade food especially when served together family gatherings work well too because everyone gets what they want without having ask each other how much does anyone else wanna try little bit more taco filling yes yes yes sounds good then pass spoon round plate heaping spoonfuls onto each person plate where everyone sits down ready dig enjoy complete meal including all fixings sides salads desserts – anyway back topic question about serving ideas here are few more tips.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Taco Meat

Q: What type of ground beef works best in this recipe?

A: You can use either lean or regular ground beef for this recipe. If you’re watching your diet, lean ground beef is a great option because it has less fat than regular ground beef. However, if you’re looking for that extra rich flavor that comes from using regular ground beef, go for it! Just be aware that you may need to drain some of the excess fat after browning the meat.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked ground beef in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked ground beef in this recipe if you’re short on time. Just make sure to reheat the meat before adding it to your tacos or other dishes.

Q: How do I store leftover hamburger taco meat?

A: Leftover hamburger taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating leftover hamburger taco meat, make sure to bring it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

A: While traditional hamburger taco meat is made with ground beef, you can experiment with other types of meat such as ground turkey or chicken if you’d like.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for people following a low-carb diet?

A: Yes, this recipe is suitable for people following a low-carb diet since it doesn’t include any high-carb ingredients like tortillas or rice.

Similar Posts