Really Good Taco Meat
I feel like every household needs a solid taco meat recipe in their arsenal. One that’s quick, easy, packed with flavor and can be used a million different ways. This is THAT recipe. Just 15 minutes, one skillet and whatever ground meat you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and basically anything else Taco Tuesday calls for.
I know what you’re thinking.
Really Erica? A taco meat recipe?
I know I know. I know y’all probably know how to make taco meat. Meat + taco seasoning- how hard could it be, right?
But there are just a few things I do to my taco meat that I think make it a little extra… good.
First, I’ve definitely ran out of taco seasoning a time or two, so I’ve nailed the spice combo that’ll get you a really classic taco seasoning vibe. You probably already have the spices in your spice cabinet.
Second, salsa instead of water! Most taco seasoning packets will call for a ½ cup-ish water so that the meat isn’t dry. We replace most of this with salsa for extra flavor!
And finally, I love a little tomato paste for thick and rich tomato flavor (totally optional), a pinch of brown sugar to balance out the acidity and a final splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth and umami.
And that’s it! Really good taco meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, rice bowls, salads or this cheesy gordita crunch. Do it.
What Ingredients You’ll Need to Make the Best Taco Meat:
- Ground meat: Lean ground beef, ground chicken or ground turkey all work here. I usually reach for 90/10 ground beef when I want that classic taco sitch.
- Taco seasoning: Use your favorite taco seasoning packet or make your own with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
- Salsa: The secret to flavorful, juicy taco meat! Use a smooth, restaurant-style salsa rather than a chunky one.
- Flavor boosters: Brown sugar balances the acidity without making the meat sweet, while Worcestershire sauce adds a little extra savory, umami flavor.
- Tomato paste: Optional, but I love the thicker texture and rich tomato flavor it adds.
How to Make this Homemade Taco Meat Recipe:
If you’re making your own taco seasoning, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and brown sugar. If you’re using store-bought seasoning, skip this step.
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until nicely browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the taco seasoning, brown sugar (if not already combined) and tomato paste, if using. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds, until the meat is evenly coated and the spices are fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the salsa with a little water (about ¼ cup). Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
That’s it! Pile your taco meat into tortillas or bowls with cilantro lime rice and your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, black beans, sour cream, guacamole or whatever your heart desires!
FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen taco meat overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen things up.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning. You can also sauté some diced jalapeños with the ground meat. Start small and adjust to your preferred spice level!
So many delicious ways to use this taco meat, like my cheesy gordita crunch recipe. 👀 Stay tuned!
If you try and like this recipe, please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! For more lifestyle, behind-the-scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content, come find me over on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, or Youtube – I love connecting with you all there!
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Really Good Taco Meat
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Meal Prep, Tacos
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Dairy-Free, High-Protein
Description
Your new go-to taco meat recipe! A few simple flavor boosters take ground beef, chicken or turkey from good to REALLY good. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos and more!
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef, chicken or turkey
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning OR 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste, optional *(see notes)
- ¾ cup restaurant-style salsa (smooth, not chunky)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ½ tablespoon avocado oil. When the oil is hot, add the ground meat and cook for 6-7 minutes, until well browned, draining if needed.
- Add the taco seasoning, brown sugar and tomato paste, if using. Stir until all of the meat is evenly coated and the seasonings are fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the salsa and a big splash of water (about ¼ cup), stirring well. Stir in the worcestershire sauce.
- Serve in tacos, burritos, salads, rice bowls, nachos, enchiladas and quesadillas!Nothing like an easy taco night, amirite!?
Notes
Tomato paste: The tomato paste here adds a lovely depth of flavor and tomato-y richness that I love. If you are more of a traditionalist and prefer less tomato flavor, omit the tomato paste.
Brown sugar: The brown sugar helps balance the acidity in the tomatoes and works to lift all the other flavors. It doesn’t make things sweet; it is just for balance. However, if you prefer, you can omit it.
Refer to the above blog post for ingredient information, step-by-step instructions and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¾ cup
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 5.7 g
- Sodium: 655.8 mg
- Fat: 13.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.7 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 24.5 g
- Cholesterol: 73.5 mg
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Garlic Ginger Ground Chicken for Meal Prep Power Bowls or Korean Chicken Tacos
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