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My favorite ground beef taco meat recipe is easy to make with a few simple ingredients and lets you get dinner on the table in minutes. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or anytime!
Today, I’m sharing the easiest and best ground beef tacos ever, plus more taco meat recipe ideas to make mealtime easy. These are basically your average old school ground meat tacos like my mom (and many moms) made back in the day using hamburger meat and taco seasoning.
I’ve been making this easy recipe for my own kids forever, although I use homemade taco seasoning and a jalapeño pepper to spice things up. The key to truly flavorful tacos is a blend of dry spices and fresh aromatics like onion and pepper.
Why you’ll love this easy recipe for taco meat!
It’s super simple, budget friendly and literally takes minutes to make. No extras like cornstarch or tomato sauce needed.
You can make your own seasoning or use a packet if that is easier for you.
It’s very versatile and can be used in burritos, nachos, salads and soups. Best of all, it’s kid friendly and delicious!
What You Need
Here are the ingredients for taco meat. Full amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Olive oil — or avocado oil, vegetable oil or butter for cooking the onion and pepper
- Lean ground beef — I prefer using lean or extra lean beef so I don’t have to take time to drain it. A little fat actually adds flavor! If you are using an 80/20 mix, just drain the extra fat off before adding the spices. Otherwise, the meat will be greasy.
- Yellow onion and Jalapeño — These add so much flavor. You can skip the pepper if you don’t want the extra heat.
- Taco Seasoning — I use a homemade seasoning that is a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, garlic and chili powder. You can also use your favorite brand from the store.
- Water — or beef broth to prevent the meat from drying out.
How to Make the Best Ground Beef Taco Meat
First, cook the onion and pepper in a skillet in little oil until soft. Then, brown the beef, and add the seasoning and water. Let the meat simmer until the liquid is absorbed, and you’re done!
Time Saving Tip
Keep a bag of diced onions in your freezer to cut down on prep time. You can also do this with peppers!
Serving Suggestions
I like to add the meat to crispy hard taco shells and set up a taco bar with our favorite taco toppings. Or, make these baked tacos! We like chopped or shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Mexican blend and diced tomatoes. Don’t forget the sour cream, salsa, pico or guacamole!
Variations
Swap leaner ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Stretch the meat mixture by adding frozen or canned corn and a can of black beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse first!
More Taco Meat Recipe Ideas
Tired of tacos? I use the same meat mixture in burritos. We also love this easy taco ring and this cheesy casserole or these delicious enchiladas and this taco salad. I love the leftover beef in nachos. Just sprinkle a little meat over tortilla chips and cheese and melt in the microwave or in the oven.
My Favorite Ground Beef Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
- 2 pounds extra lean ground beef
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning or 2 packets
- 1 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook onion and jalapeño in olive oil over medium heat until soft
- Add ground beef, and cook over medium high heat until no longer pink, crumbling up with a spatula as you go. Drain if necessary
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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