Homemade Taco Meat Recipe

thefoodieblogger the best homemade taco seasoning recipe

This simple taco meat recipe made with lean ground beef, tomato paste, garlic, and homemade taco seasoning is quick, easy, and delicious. It's ready in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect go-to for a homemade taco feast any day of the week.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword ground beef taco, taco meat

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 169kcal

Author Ioana

Cost $10

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef 85/15
2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup tomato sauce
3 tbsp taco seasoning
3 garlic cloves minced
¼ cup water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly.
Drain any excess fat from the pan once the ground beef is fully cooked and browned. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat.
Stir the taco seasoning into the ground beef, ensuring it coats the meat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add in the tomato paste and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the taco meat simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
If the mixture appears too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste the taco meat and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more taco seasoning if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Notes

My Go-To Ground Beef: I always use 85/15 ground beef. It's got just the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful, but it doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. It's my secret to really yummy tacos.

Veggie Boost: I love sneaking in extra veggies. My favorites to add are finely chopped peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. I sauté them right with the meat, and honestly, it adds such a lovely crunch and color to the tacos.

Extra Flavor: Sometimes, I add the diced onion to the skillet right when I'm browning the meat. As the meat cooks, the onion softens and caramelizes slightly, infusing the meat with its sweet and savory flavors.

Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Some classic options include shredded mild cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, and onion. Mix and match to create your perfect taco.

Nutrition