Description
This Ground Beef Taco Meat recipe is a quick and flavorful filling perfect for tacos, nachos, or taco salads. Using a blend of classic Mexican spices simmered with tomato paste and water, it delivers a rich, savory taste in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Taco Meat Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it apart with a spatula for even cooking. Drain any excess fat to keep the meat lean.
- Add Tomato Paste, Water, and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, water, and all the spices including chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, black pepper, ground coriander, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and chipotle chili powder. Mix thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the beef and spice mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook gently for 5 minutes. This step allows the spices to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat once done. Use this flavorful taco meat as a filling for tacos, topping for nachos, or in a taco salad.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to reduce grease and calories.
- Adjust crushed red pepper and chipotle chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a thicker mixture, simmer uncovered for the last couple of minutes.
- This meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
