Taco Meat Recipe
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This easy recipe for taco meat uses simple pantry spices to make the juiciest and most flavourful taco meat you’ve ever had! No need for a store-bought mix with preservatives and fillers, this versatile recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and can be used to fill tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, or as a topping for salads, pizza, and nachos.
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Table of Contents
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make.
- More flavorful than taco meat made with store bought seasonings, with no additives or fillers.
- Uses common, easy to find spices and ingredients.
- Easy to adjust the spice level and seasoning making this taco meat a perfect recipe for the whole family.
- This taco meat is freezer friendly. Make this in large batches and save for later.
About This Recipe
This taco meat recipe is made from perfectly seasoned browned ground beef in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect as a filling for tacos, burritos, quesadilla, omelets, or a topping for nachos, french fries or salad. This protein packed taco meat recipe is spicy and savory, full of Mexican flavors, perfect for Cinco de Mayo or a weekly taco Tuesday with the family.
Taco Meat Variations
One of the beautiful facts about this recipe is how versatile it is. By adding or changing some of the ingredients you can serve this taco meat again and again without getting bored. Try some of these variations on this simple recipe.
- Use a different meat – This recipe can be used for any of your favorite ground meats. Try ground chicken, turkey, sausage, or pork next time you make tacos.
- Increase the heat – By using some ancho or chipotle chili powder, or adding some of your favorite dried chilies to kick the spice up a notch.
- Add veggies – Adding diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, or garlic can help you pack in those vegetables and add flavour and texture to this simple recipe.
How to Use Homemade Taco Meat
This recipe is traditionally served as the name implies, as a filling for tacos. There are however many creative ways to use homemade taco meat.
Taco Pizza – Add this taco meat as a topping on your next pizza for a spicy Tex-Mex twist.
Taco salad – A scoop of taco meat on top of your favorite salad is a quick way to add some flavor and protein for a budget-friendly meal.
Taco Pasta – Sprinkle some ground taco meat into the sauce of your next pasta dish.
Eggs – Mixed into scrambled eggs, or used as a filling for an omelet, this taco meat will add flavor and spice to any breakfast.
Pro Tips
- Use 70-80% lean ground beef for the most flavor. Drain off any unwanted grease before serving.
- Allow the meat to simmer in the spices and tomato sauce for at least 5 minutes to improve the flavor and texture of this recipe.
- Avoid adding extra water. Many recipes call for water but the tomato sauce adds enough moisture without making this taco meat too runny.
Make Ahead, Leftovers, and Reheating
This recipe can be made ahead of time in large batches and stored for later use.
For short-term storage:
- Cook the taco meat as directed and allow to cool.
- Add to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days before use.
For longer-term storage:
- Cook the taco meat as directed and allow to cool.
- Add the taco meat to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Allow taco meat to thaw in the fridge for several hours before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat taco meat on the stove in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through.
- You can also use the microwave to reheat taco meat until warmed through.
Taco Meat FAQs
What type of meat do you use for taco meat?
While it’s traditional to use ground beef for this recipe, you can use ground chicken, pork, turkey, even venison for this recipe.
Can you freeze taco meat for future use?
Yes! This taco meat freezes very well. See the section on leftovers below for more tips on freezing cooked taco meat.
How to make this recipe spicy?
To increase the heat of this recipe use a spicier chili powder like ancho, cayenne, or chipotle.
How to make the meat mild in flavor?
For a milder taco meat, dial back the chili powder and adjust the other seasonings to taste.
Does this seasoning contain MSG?
This simple taco meat recipe has no additives, fillers, or MSG.
Can I make taco meat in the slow cooker?
To make this recipe in a slow cooker, add all ingredients, stir to combine, and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours.
Will I be able to make a larger batch of meat for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double or even triple for a large crowd.
Can I use a meat replacement for this recipe?
Any of your favorite ground meat alternatives will work in this recipe.
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Taco Meat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
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Instructions
- a skillet over medium high heat and brown the ground beef until cooked through, breaking up large clumps with a wooden spoon as needed. Drain off any unwanted fat from the pan.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, water, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion power, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper fla
Nutrition
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