Description
This easy and flavorful taco meat recipe uses simple ingredients and homemade taco seasoning to create a delicious filling perfect for tacos. Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep and one skillet, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that packs bold spices and rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, petite diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 lb. 85/15 ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Homemade Taco Seasoning (or substitute)
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the petite diced yellow onion to the skillet along with a couple pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently for about 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add garlic: Stir in the finely minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute, stirring often to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s fragrance.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to crumble it evenly as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned thoroughly and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Add seasoning and tomato paste: Stir in the homemade taco seasoning (or chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper mixture), the tomato paste, and 1/4 cup of water. Mix everything well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the taco meat and add kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Serve the seasoned taco meat hot in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Using 85/15 ground beef offers a good balance of flavor and fat without making the meat too greasy.
- Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder for a spicier taco meat.
- For extra moisture, the tomato paste and water help bind the seasoning and beef together.
- If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
- Leftover taco meat stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
