Print

Perfect Homemade Taco Meat

quick taco filling
Print Recipe

The ultimate taco meat recipe with perfectly seasoned ground beef and authentic spices.

This quick taco filling is ready in just 20 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.

Versatile enough for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for leaner beef)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  3. Brown the meat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, draining excess fat if desired.
  4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat mixture and stir to coat.
  6. Add the water and tomato sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For best results, use ground beef with at least 15-20% fat content for juicier taco meat.

Make your own taco seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Leftover taco meat can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco meat recipe, ground beef taco seasoning, quick taco filling, mexican taco filling, homemade taco meat

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/taco-meat-recipe-easy-bold/