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An image of ground beef seasoned taco filling with taco fixings next to it.
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4.75 from 16 votes

Ground Beef Taco Meat

This is how I make our favorite seasoned ground beef for tacos with homemade taco seasoning on a weeknight in less than 15 minutes. This flavorful, easy taco meat is an quick dinner solution on busy weeknights, and always a hit with the family!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4 people
Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water

Taco Seasoning

  • 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

  • In a large pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
    1 lb ground beef
  • Add tomato paste, water and all the spices to the ground beef. Stir to mix them together, and bring to a simmer.
    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
  • Cover and simmer for 5 minutes then remove from heat and use for tacos, nachos, or taco salad.

Notes

You can substitute 1/2 cup of tomato sauce for the tomato paste and water, if desired.
Storage: 
  • Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet or the microwave with a splash of water until warmed through.
  • The taco meat also freezes wonderfully. Let it cool and place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat.

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 451mg | Potassium: 437mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 591IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg

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