When it comes to quick, flavorful, and versatile meals, tacos are a fan favorite. The star of any taco night? The taco meat, of course! Whether you’re hosting a taco Tuesday, meal prepping for the week, or whipping up a quick dinner, this taco meat recipe is sure to become your go-to. It’s simple, delicious, and ready in just 20 minutes.
Let’s dive into how to make this savory taco meat that pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings and tortillas.
Why This Taco Meat Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty yet easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a flavorful taco filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s customizable—adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds and add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this taco meat:
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (Trader Joe’s seasoning is highly recommended for its bold flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
That’s it! Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, dice your onion and gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
2. Sauté the Onion
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and cook them until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to your taco meat.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot with the caramelized onions. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it’s fully browned. Make sure there’s no pink remaining in the beef.
4. Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle in the packet of taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the packet for the best results. If you’re like Philip (the recipe creator), feel free to add the entire packet for an extra kick of spice!
5. Stir in Diced Tomatoes
Once the seasoning is well-incorporated, add the can of diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together until fully combined.
6. Simmer on Low Heat
Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Your taco meat is now ready to serve! Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Tacos: Spoon the meat into warm tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Taco Bowls: Skip the tortillas and serve your taco meat over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Nachos: Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with taco meat and cheese, then bake until melted. Add sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños for an indulgent snack.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use the taco meat as a filling for bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender, and enjoy a healthy twist on tacos.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly diced onions and high-quality ground beef make all the difference in flavor.
- Customize Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, use half a packet of taco seasoning or opt for a low-sodium version.
- Make It Ahead: This taco meat stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave for an easy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This taco meat recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weeks. Plus, it’s packed with bold flavors that elevate any taco night experience.
So next time you’re craving tacos, skip the takeout and try this homemade version instead. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!
Happy cooking!
Print
Taco Meat Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful taco meat recipe is quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. With browned onions, seasoned beef, and juicy diced tomatoes, it’s a versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sized onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet of Taco Seasoning (Trader Joe’s recommended)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pot and add diced onions. Cook until brown and caramelized.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, ensuring no pink remains.
Add the packet of taco seasoning, following the instructions on the packet. (Philip adds the entire packet for more spice.)
After about 5 minutes, add the can of diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 30–40 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot and enjoy with your desired taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa.
Notes
For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.
Adjust seasoning to taste or make your own taco seasoning blend.
This recipe is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal (approximate)
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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