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Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe

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4.4 from 3 reviews

This homemade ground beef taco meat is a quick and flavorful recipe perfect for tacos, burritos, or taco salads. With a blend of classic Mexican spices and a rich tomato sauce base, it delivers authentic taste in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 pound (453g) ground beef

Spices and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 (8oz) (227g) can tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
  2. Add spices: Stir in the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and cumin thoroughly to evenly coat the beef with the spices, infusing it with rich Mexican flavors.
  3. Simmer with tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and combine well. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Season and serve: Taste the meat mixture and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with your preferred taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, or sour cream.

Notes

  • For leaner meat, use 90% lean ground beef to reduce grease.
  • Simmering the meat longer can intensify the flavors if time allows.
  • This taco meat pairs well with tortillas, taco shells, or over rice for a quick meal.
  • Customize the spice levels by adjusting the chili powder or adding cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.