Taco Meat
A flavorful, versatile taco meat seasoned with spices and tomato sauce, perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings, served with your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, three-quarters of the taco sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano to the beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve the taco meat with flour tortillas or taco shells, along with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese.
- Use the remaining taco sauce to pour over the assembled ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute homemade taco seasoning for the packaged kind to control sodium levels. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the dish, while using leaner cuts of beef can make it healthier. Try pairing this taco meat with Tex-Mex Wontons for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco meat in soft flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells, and top with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheese. Consider adding a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. This taco meat also works great in chili or casseroles, such as Chili And Tamale Casserole, for a hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. You can also freeze the taco meat for up to three months; just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Meat contains roughly 181 calories, with 7g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), iron (19% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2672mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of meat for this taco recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Each option will give a unique flavor profile and can cater to various dietary preferences. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as leaner meats may cook more quickly.
How can I make this taco meat spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding chopped fresh jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning mix if you prefer a more intense flavor.
What toppings go well with taco meat?
Common toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and diced onions. Fresh herbs like cilantro and chives can add a nice touch as well. For a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed tortilla chips or a side of Soupapias for dessert.
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).