Taco Meat Restaurant Style
Transform your homemade taco nights with this flavorful Taco Meat Restaurant Style recipe, designed to rival your favorite taqueria! Featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef with a rich 80/20 fat blend, this dish is elevated with aromatic garlic and onion, bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, and a touch of tomato paste for depth. Simmered in beef broth for a juicy, crave-worthy texture, this taco meat is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners or meal prep. Whether served in crispy taco shells, soft tortillas, or layered in taco bowls, this versatile filling delivers authentic restaurant-quality flavor every time. Perfect for taco enthusiasts seeking to replicate the bold, savory taste of their favorite Mexican restaurants at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
- 0.5 cup Onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 0.5 cup Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or cooking oil
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for about 1 minute.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Crumble the ground beef into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the beef evenly, and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine the spices with the beef mixture.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the meat is juicy but not watery.
Taste the taco meat and adjust seasoning if needed. Add additional salt, pepper, or spices to preference.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or taco bowls.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1404 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.8 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.4 g | 192% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 3276 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 81.6 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 14.0 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 1791 mg | 38% | |
*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.
