Taco Meat Ground Beef Mexican (Printer-Friendly Version)
Rich, spiced ground beef ready in minutes for tacos, burritos, or salads. Simple, family-friendly and customizable.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Meat
01 -
1 pound ground beef (70-80% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 -
1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
→ Seasonings
04 -
2 teaspoons chili powder
05 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 -
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
→ Liquids
12 -
1/4 cup tomato sauce
→ Optional Ingredients
13 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder (for additional heat)
14 -
1/2 cup diced bell pepper or tomato (optional for variation)
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring and crumbling, until beef is well-browned and no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 -
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
03 -
Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt over the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the meat.
04 -
Pour in tomato sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
05 -
Taste and adjust salt or spice level as needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately as a filling for tacos, burritos, or desired dishes.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For optimal flavor and texture, let the meat simmer briefly to allow the spices and tomato sauce to infuse.
02 -
This meat mixture can be made ahead and stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.