Taco Filling Ground Beef
Elevate your taco night with this perfectly seasoned Taco Filling Ground Beef recipe that's bursting with bold flavors and rich, saucy goodness. Made with a hearty 80/20 ground beef blend, this classic filling is enhanced by finely diced onions, fragrant garlic, and a medley of warm spices like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. The addition of tomato paste and a splash of beef broth creates a luscious texture that clings to every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile taco meat is perfect for stuffing into taco shells, layering in burritos, or topping nachos. Whether you keep it mild or add a kick of cayenne, this dish is a family-friendly favorite that's both quick and satisfying.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if using leaner beef)
Instructions
If using lean ground beef, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. For fattier blends, skip the oil as the beef will render its own fat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the finely diced onion to the other side. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then stir to combine with the beef.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices, ensuring they coat the beef evenly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to develop its rich flavor.
Pour in the water or beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes or until the liquid reduces slightly, creating a saucy consistency that clings to the meat.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve hot as a filling for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
346 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.8 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 588 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.9 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 20.0 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 37 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 405 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
