Taco Meat

Transform your taco night with this quick and flavorful taco meat recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic, this one-skillet dish is infused with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a smoky, Tex-Mex kick. A touch of tomato paste and a splash of water create a rich, saucy texture that clings to every bite, making it ideal for stuffing into crunchy taco shells, soft burritos, or even topping a salad. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your spice level. Whether you’re prepping for Taco Tuesday or meal-prepping for the week, this taco meat will elevate all your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.25 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2

Finely chop half a medium onion and add it to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

Step 3

Mince 2 garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5

Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 7

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cooked beef and stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

Step 8

Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 0.25 cup of water to the skillet. Stir to coat the beef evenly and create a saucy texture.

Step 9

Let the taco meat simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm in tacos, burritos, salad bowls, or as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	659.8 grams (659.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1238

Total Fat 95.50g	122%
Saturated Fat 34.40g	172%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 321mg	107%
Sodium 2782mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 23.20g	8%
Dietary Fiber 6.10g	22%
Total Sugars 7.90g
Protein 80.00g	160%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 120mg	9%
Iron 12mg	66%
Potassium 1682mg	36%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.6%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 7.3%