Seasoned Ground Beef for Tacos
Master the art of perfect taco meat with this foolproof recipe. In just 25 minutes, you'll have juicy, savory ground beef simmered in a rich, aromatic blend of Tex-Mex spices. Ideal for busy weeknights, this versatile filling is the ultimate foundation for incredible tacos, burritos, and nachos.
For 6 servings
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with 1/2 tsp of the kosher salt and 1/4 tsp of the black pepper. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Carefully drain the excess grease from the skillet. You can do this by tilting the pan and spooning out the fat, or by pouring the contents into a colander over a heatproof bowl and returning the meat to the pan.
Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, the remaining salt and pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and coat the meat.
Add the tomato paste to the center of the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring it into the meat. This step deepens the tomato flavor.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the optional lime juice. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use 85/15 ground beef. The fat adds flavor and moisture. If you use leaner beef, you may need to add a little extra oil or broth.
- 2Don't skip draining the fat! This is crucial for preventing greasy tacos and allows the spices to adhere better to the meat.
- 3Toasting the spices for a minute before adding liquid is a key step that awakens their essential oils and creates a deeper, more complex flavor.
- 4This taco meat is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick dinner later. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- 5For a saucier filling, add up to 1 cup of beef broth. For a drier filling, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until the liquid has evaporated.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky Chipotle Version
For a smoky, spicier kick, add 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the garlic.
Veggie Loaded VersionVeggie-Loaded Version
Boost the nutrition by adding 1 cup of finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn along with the onion.
Different MeatsDifferent Meats
This seasoning works wonderfully with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Low Carb ServingLow-Carb Serving
Serve the taco meat over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad, in lettuce wraps, or stuffed into bell peppers instead of tortillas.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Metabolism-Boosting Spices
Spices like chili powder and cayenne pepper contain capsaicin, a compound that can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (about 1/2 cup or 135g) of this taco meat contains approximately 280-320 calories, depending on the exact leanness of the ground beef used.