Description
This flavorful and juicy taco meat is perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices, making it the ultimate filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce or water
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional, if using lean meat)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. If using lean ground beef, add olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the tomato sauce or water and stir to combine.
- Simmer the meat mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and serve hot in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Double the batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
- Add a pinch of sugar if your tomato sauce is too acidic.
- This taco meat also works great in burritos, quesadillas, and taco salads.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
