Seasoned Taco Meat
A flavorful seasoned taco meat combining beef, spices, and tomato sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with taco shells, cheese, and salsa.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chile powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp beef bouillon granules
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp lime juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp onion pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- Taco shells or flour tortillas ⓘ
- Shredded cheese ⓘ
- Salsa
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, chile powder, paprika, beef bouillon granules, ground cumin, chicken bouillon granules, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, pepper, lime juice, onion pepper, sugar, salt, and garlic salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the seasoned meat in taco shells or flour tortillas, topped with shredded cheese and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper or using hot salsa. If you're out of beef broth, water can be substituted, but it may dilute the flavor. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef. Also, feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, especially if you're a fan of Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seasoned taco meat in taco shells or flour tortillas and top with shredded cheese and salsa. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken Mexicale Casserole for a larger gathering or family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover seasoned taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This meat also freezes well; thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seasoned Taco Meat contains roughly 243 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this taco meat ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seasoned taco meat a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes meal prep easier and allows the flavors to meld even more.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before serving.
How can I spice up the taco meat further?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also experiment with additional spices like oregano or chili flakes for more depth. Feel free to tailor it to your heat preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).