Taco Filling
A savory and versatile taco filling featuring seasoned ground beef and onions simmered in tomato sauce. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it perfect for quick weeknight dinners, taco nights, or meal prep. Customizable with toppings and sides to suit any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and onions.
- Add tomato sauce, garlic salt, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet.
- Simmer over low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or black beans instead. To enhance the spiciness, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This taco filling can also be seasoned with fresh herbs, such as cilantro, for a fresh twist. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for Fiesta Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this taco filling in soft or hard taco shells with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Mom'S Burritos or can be used as a filling for quesadillas. For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This filling also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Filling contains roughly 513 calories, with 22g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 13g 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 filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes meal prep easier and allows the flavors to meld together even more.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can substitute it with canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure that the excess liquid is absorbed and the filling reaches the desired consistency.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to taste. For extra heat, consider incorporating diced fresh jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. This will give the taco filling a nice kick and enhance the overall flavor.
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).