Best Taco Meat Recipe
This easy ground beef Taco Meat Recipe is truly one of the best. An easy no-fuss taco seasoning and tomato sauce create the juiciest, most flavorful taco meat in 20 minutes.
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce or canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Taco Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Taco Seasoning (if needed)
- If you don't already have taco seasoning prepared, combine chili powder, minced garlic, ground cumin, minced onion, oregano and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl.
Taco Meat
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan over medium heat. If using stainless steel, add a tablespoon of avocado or extra virgin olive oil.
- Add ground beef and break it and cooking until thoroughly cooked and browned, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning, salt and tomato sauce over the meat, reduce heat to low. Stir to combine, breaking up the diced tomatoes if using.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened and moisture absorbs into the meat, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Taste for salt and add if necessary. Enjoy immediately in tacos, salads, or nachos.
Notes
- Draining fat is not necessary. Fat adds tremendous flavor and will evaporate or re-absorb as the meat cooks.
- Don't season prematurely as that will yield dry, rubbery taco meat. Salt will pull any moisture from the beef and will create steaming effect instead of browning.
- Cook ground beef at moderate-low temperature to keep the meat from drying out.
- To save time, make the taco seasoning ahead of time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. To reheat, add a few tablespoons of water or broth and gently simmer in a small pot with lid on low-medium heat until warmed through. Stir often and add more water if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 509IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg