Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat
Forget stocking up on those pre-packaged taco seasoning mixes! This Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat proves you can create deeply flavorful taco filling with simple pantry spices that taste even better than those little packets.
Get ready for your family to beg for taco night! This taco meat is seriously addictive – and it’s all about those perfectly balanced spices. Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika add warmth to create something way better than your average ground beef. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make! Throw it in tacos, stuff it in burritos, or pile it on nachos,
The best part about making homemade beef taco meat is that It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it your new go-to weeknight dinner. No spice packet with questionable fillers needed.
Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, taco salads – this versatile taco filling does it all!
Equipment Needed
You only need a few kitchen essentials to make this homemade ground beef taco meat recipe!
- Skillet
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons and cup
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this easy ground beef taco recipe in no time with no seasoning packets:
- Lean Ground Beef: 85/15 or 90/10 provides the perfect balance of flavor and leanness.
- Beef Broth: Adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor that water won’t!
- Ketchup: Provides sweetness, acidity, and tomato flavor that rounds out the spices.
- Spices: Instead of using a packet of taco meat seasoning, you can make your own homemade taco seasoning by combining chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried parsley, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes!
Variations & Substitutions
Homemade taco meat is extremely versatile! Here are some variations or substitutions you can make, according to what you have on hand:
- Ground turkey or chicken both work well for a leaner option. For vegetarian tacos, crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute can be used with the same seasonings.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. If you like extra heat, you can add a few dashes of cayenne pepper!
- For a smoky flavor, you can substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika.
- Feel free to use tomato sauce, tomato paste, or even red enchilada sauce instead of ketchup!
How to Make Homemade Taco Meat
- Cook the Beef: To a skillet over medium heat cook the meat for 7 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Drain: Drain any excess fat.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Add the remainder of the ingredients.
- Simmer & Enjoy: Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Stirring throughout.
Serving Suggestions
You can use homemade ground beef taco meat in countless ways! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it, along with some delicious Mexican-inspired side dishes, too:
As Classic Tacos: Serve in crispy corn shells or soft flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream for the best ground beef tacos. Perfect for taco Tuesday!
As a Taco Salad: For a healthier option, you can make a homemade taco salad with lettuce topped with taco meat, black beans, corn, and avocado!
On Nachos: Layer the meat over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite toppings.
As Burrito Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, corn, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
On the side: No matter how you decide to serve your taco meat, some great side options include Mexican-style rice, cilantro lime coleslaw, refried beans, air fryer corn on the cob, and some fire roasted salsa! For a low carb side dish, try this Mexican cauliflower rice.
Storage Recommendations
To store: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, portion into freezer safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or water until heated through. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave until hot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Omit the red pepper flakes entirely and reduce the chili powder just a little bit. You can always add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to individual portions for adults!
Make sure you’re not overcooking the meat, and don’t skip the beef broth and ketchup. These ingredients add crucial moisture. If you are using ground turkey or chicken, you have to be even more careful not to overcook it!
After browning, push the meat to one side and tilt the pan slightly so the fat pools on the empty side. Remove most of it with a spoon, but leaving a little will add flavor!
More Recipes to Try
- Fresh Mexican Corn Casserole
- Best Pollo Asado Tacos
- Easy Lobster Tacos
- Ground Beef Tostadas
- King Ranch Beef Casserole
Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/8 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- To a skillet over medium heat cook the meat for 7 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the remainder of the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Stirring throughout.
