Taco Meat
Transform your taco night with this quick and flavorful taco meat recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic, this one-skillet dish is infused with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a smoky, Tex-Mex kick. A touch of tomato paste and a splash of water create a rich, saucy texture that clings to every bite, making it ideal for stuffing into crunchy taco shells, soft burritos, or even topping a salad. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your spice level. Whether you’re prepping for Taco Tuesday or meal-prepping for the week, this taco meat will elevate all your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Finely chop half a medium onion and add it to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
Mince 2 garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cooked beef and stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 0.25 cup of water to the skillet. Stir to coat the beef evenly and create a saucy texture.
Let the taco meat simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm in tacos, burritos, salad bowls, or as desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
344 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.7 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 76 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 589 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 20.0 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 41 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 341 mg | 7% | |
*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.
