Savor the perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, spices, and herbs for an authentic and irresistible taco experience with this Taco Meat as your centerpiece of the night. (ground beef taco meat, taco meat recipe)
Picture this: it’s Taco Tuesday, and you’re about to make the most delicious taco you’ve ever made. But, oh! There doesn’t seem to be any of the premade taco seasoning left that you generally use! What to do about the taco meat??
Well, you’re in luck. I’ve got here a recipe for homemade taco meat, perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection. This taco meat is a blend of savory spices and lean ground beef, cooked just right, making every taco a delightful experience.
It’s not just tasty; it looks amazing too, with its rich, inviting color, promising a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a taco junkie or just love experimenting in the kitchen, this taco meat recipe is a must-try!
Making taco meat at home is not just about creating a dish; it’s about bringing the joy and flavor of your favorite Mexican restaurant right into your kitchen.
This taco meat recipe is your go-to for a tasty, satisfying meal that is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. It’s the perfect blend of spices, easy to make, and so versatile that the sky’s the limit when it comes to how you want to enjoy it.
So, why wait? Grab your skillet, and let’s make some delicious taco meat for your next taco night!
Common Questions About Taco Meat
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices Listed for Taco Meat?
Don’t fret if your spice rack isn’t fully stocked! A great alternative is to use a packet of store-bought taco seasoning, which typically contains a blend of all the necessary spices.
These little packets are a handy and quick solution, especially when you’re short on time. If you prefer homemade taco meat recipes, you can also create a simplified version of the seasoning using basic spices like chili powder and cumin, and then maybe throw in a bit of garlic or onion powder if you have it.
Remember, the best taco meat is the one that suits your taste!
Can I Make Taco Meat in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, making taco meat in a slow cooker or crock pot is a fantastic idea, especially for larger gatherings or meal prep. Slow cooking the meat allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in juicy taco meat that’s infused with deliciousness.
Just brown the meat first (if you’re using ground beef or chicken), then add it to your slow cooker with the seasoning and a little water, and let the magic happen over a few hours.
This method is perfect for when you want a go-to recipe for easy dinner ideas or tasty tacos without the fuss.
How Can I Make My Taco Meat Spicier?
To add some extra kick to your taco meat, consider sprinkling in some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. This is a great way to elevate the flavors and make your taco meat taste like something from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
The key is to start with a little and then adjust according to your spice tolerance. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it back once it’s in there!
Experiment and find your favorite way to make those tasty tacos even more delicious.
Storage
I love leftover taco meat! I eat it for days afterward with chips or whatever other fancy takes me. It’s super easy to store.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Cool the meat, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Tips
There isn’t anything complicated about this recipe. I do have just a few tips, though, to make sure the whole process goes as smoothly as possible.
- Drain Excess Grease: For leaner meat, drain the excess grease after browning.
- Simmer Slowly: Let the meat simmer with the spices to enhance the flavor.
- Stir Frequently: Use a wooden spoon and stir often for even cooking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Let It Rest: Let the meat sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving to redistribute juices.
Ingredients
Really, this is the best homemade taco seasoning I’ve had. It really doesn’t have to be complex to taste amazing. In fact, I’d say the simpler, the better.
- Ground beef
- Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- Minced onions
- Table salt
- Pepper
- Granulated garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Cumin
How to Make Taco Meat
No need for a store-bought pack of taco seasoning. This recipe is way better than anything you’ll get at the store anyway. Try it and you’ll see!
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. I like to use a 12” well-seasoned cast iron skillet – but a good, non-stick one will work too. Stir periodically to cook evenly.
- When the meat is about 50% browned, add the broth and all of the seasonings and continue to cook.
- Once the meat is mostly browned, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 4-5 minutes OR until nearly all of the moisture has cooked out.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need
There is not much to it. Just a few supplies and you’re on your way to some of the tastiest tacos you’ve had in a long while.
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
What to Serve With Taco Meat
You know what to do here. Our family has Taco Tuesday every week. Tacos are just one of those meals that we will never get tired of.
- Warm flour or corn tortillas for classic tacos.
- Over rice or quinoa for a hearty taco bowl.
- With tortilla chips and pico de gallo for a taco salad.
- Inside hard taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Why You Should Make Taco Meat
For me, making my own taco seasoning is not just about the flavor. I also like being able to control what goes into it. No artificial flavors here. Only the best stuff for my family!
- Versatile: Perfect for various Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Easy to Make: Simple recipe, great for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to different tastes and diets.
Variations and Add-Ins for Taco Meat
If you’ve got a different way of making taco meat, let me know in the comments! Here are some great ideas for thing you might change up a bit.
- Beans: Mix in black or pinto beans for extra protein.
- Veggies: Add sautéed onions, green peppers, or green chilies.
- Cheese: Top with shredded cheese for melty goodness.
- Creaminess: Finish with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices.
If you love this easy taco meat recipe, you’re going to love these other recipes for taco night too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Taco Ideas
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Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef – *I like to use 85% lean
- 1 cup broth – chicken, beef, veggie – or water
- 1 tbsp minced onions
- 1 tsp table salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. I like to use a 12” well-seasoned cast iron skillet – but a good, non-stick one will work too. Stir periodically to cook evenly.
- When the meat is about 50% browned, add the broth and all of the seasonings and continue to cook.
- Once the meat is mostly browned, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 4-5 minutes OR until nearly all of the moisture has cooked out.
- Remove and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
April says
Delicious! So much better than store bought taco seasoning, and using broth instead of water was brilliant – more flavor!
Janelle says
We really liked the flavor in this seasoning. Thanks for the recipe!!
Beth says
I love all the classic, zesty flavor in this taco meat, and I’m a big fan of how I was able to control the salt. I’ve always found seasoning mixes to be way too salty. Love this one.
Katerina Petrovska says
This taco meat turned out incredibly delicious!! The kitchen smelled amazing, and the meat looked so delicious with all the seasonings.
Beti Micevska says
The taco meat turned out really well! It’s nicely seasoned and smells amazing, which makes the tacos delicious. Everyone loved it so much!!
Sandra says
I love homemade recipes and this one didn’t disappoint me! It was actually better than store bought ones!
Catalina says
“I used your Taco Meat recipe for our taco night, and it was a smashing success! The seasoning was spot on – flavorful without being too spicy. It was super easy to make and made our tacos taste like they were from a restaurant!
Tisha says
This taco meat looks incredible! So flavorful