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–+ servings
how much taco meat for a crowd in a bowl with taco seasoning next to the bowl.

Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe

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This ground beef taco meat recipe is a savory Mexican meat that's quick and easy to prepare. Made with homemade taco seasoning and lean beef, this taco meat is perfect for hosting taco bars, casual dinners, or festive parties.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 295
Author Gina Dickson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pound ground beef 93% lean, 7% fat
  • 1 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper use more if you like it spicy
  • 2/3 cup water

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef

  • Place ground beef in a medium-sized skillet. Using a meat chopper or wooden spoon, break the beef into small pieces. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining.
    2 pound ground beef
    Hamburger Bean cooked in a pan with a meat Chopper being used to break the meat apart
  • Tilt the pan slightly so the grease pools on one side. Use a large spoon to carefully scoop out most of the grease. For extra grease removal, place a few folded paper towels in the pan to absorb any remaining grease, then discard them.
    hamburger being cooked in a pan tipped so grease drains

Season the Meat

  • Sprinkle all of the seasonings over the cooked beef. Pour in 1/2 cup water. Stir well to evenly coat the meat.
    1 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2/3 cup water
    cooked ground beef, taco seasoning and water by pan
  • Reduce heat to low. Let the meat simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage: Cool meat completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooled meat flat in labeled freezer bags. Stack flat in the freezer for easy storage. Good for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare meat 1–2 days in advance and reheat before serving. Perfect for stress-free party prep or busy weeknight dinners. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 390IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 3mg
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