Ultimate Taco Meat Recipe Everyone Loves

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Who doesn’t love tacos? This ultimate taco meat recipe is a go-to favorite in my household. Packed with bold flavors and just the right amount of spice, it transforms any taco night into a fiesta.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s get cooking!

Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  2. Mix in chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water. Stir these ingredients together and continue cooking over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Warm the tortillas using your preferred method, such as heating in the microwave, oven, or skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. This will make them soft and less likely to break.
  4. Serve the cooked beef mixture on the warmed tortillas. Top with your choice of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and red onions, or any other desired toppings.
  5. Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water over the stovetop to prevent it from drying out.
  6. To freeze, let the beef mixture cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water (or substitute with tomato sauce)
  • 8 corn or flour tortillas
  • Finely chopped lettuce
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Chopped red onions

Nutritional Values

Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

FAQ

  • What type of ground beef is recommended for making tacos?
  • For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to use 90% lean ground beef when making tacos. If you choose a leaner option, the meat might turn out too dry. Conversely, if you opt for a fattier mix, ensure you drain the excess fat after cooking.
  • How can I make ground beef tacos low-carb?
  • The taco meat itself is low in carbohydrates. To keep the meal low-carb, use low-carb tortillas or skip them altogether by serving the meat as a taco salad or in a taco bowl.
  • What is the portion size of taco meat per person?
  • Typically, you would use about 2-3 tablespoons of taco meat for each 6-inch tortilla or standard hard taco shell. Depending on the additional toppings, one pound of ground beef can serve approximately 8 to 12 people.
  • What are some common substitutes for ingredients in the taco recipe?
  • If you don’t have tomato paste and water, you can substitute with tomato sauce. Additionally, if you’re out of chili powder, paprika can be used instead.
  • How should leftover taco meat be stored and reheated?
  • Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container for up to four days. When reheating on the stovetop, add a bit of water to prevent the meat from drying out. For longer storage, freeze the cooled taco meat in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Tips

  • To avoid drying out the taco meat, cook the beef with seasoning and liquid on medium-low heat until the sauce just starts to thicken. Keep an eye on it to ensure it remains juicy.
  • Enhance the flavor of the taco meat by adding onions. Cook the onions until they soften before adding the ground beef for a richer taste.
  • Heat up the tortillas before serving to make them soft and pliable, reducing the likelihood of them breaking. You can warm them in the microwave, oven, or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side.
  • For a low-carb option, use low-carb tortillas or skip them altogether and serve the meat in a taco salad or bowl.

Equipment

  • Skillet – A good quality non-stick skillet is essential for browning the ground beef and cooking the taco meat.
  • Taco Holders – Useful for keeping the tacos upright while assembling and serving.
  • Spice Jars/Containers – If you’re making homemade taco seasoning, having a set of spice jars can be handy for storing your spices.
  • Meat Chopper – A tool specifically designed to break up ground meat while cooking, which can make the process easier.
  • Airtight Storage Containers – For storing any leftover taco meat in the refrigerator or freezer.

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