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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
