Ultimate Taco Meat

Craving the ultimate taco meat that bursts with flavors and spices? Look no further than this recipe that promises to elevate your Taco Tuesday nights to a whole new level. This versatile and delicious dish is perfect for family gatherings, game day appetizers, or just a cozy night in with loved ones. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

Preparation

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Next, add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.

Cooking Process

Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture appears too dry, you can add a bit more broth. Once cooked, the taco meat should be flavorful and juicy.

Serving & Storage

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ultimate taco meat in crispy taco shells or soft tortillas, topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. For a healthier option, serve the taco meat over a bed of crisp lettuce for a flavorful taco salad.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze the taco meat for up to 2-3 months for future quick and easy meals.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Try using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Experiment with different spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes. You can also add additional toppings such as avocado, salsa, or hot sauce to customize your taco meat to your liking.

FAQ

Can I make this taco meat ahead of time?

Yes, this taco meat is perfect for meal prep. Simply cook the meat according to the instructions, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage. When ready to eat, reheat the taco meat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

How spicy is this taco meat?

The spice level of this taco meat can be adjusted to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes. Start with the recommended amounts in the recipe and add more if you like it spicier, or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Can I freeze the leftover taco meat?

Absolutely! To freeze the taco meat, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. The taco meat can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What other dishes can I make with this taco meat?

This versatile taco meat can be used in various dishes. Try adding it to nachos, quesadillas, burritos, or atop a bed of nachos or fries for a tasty twist. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for loaded baked potatoes.

Conclusion

The ultimate taco meat recipe is a game-changer for your Mexican-inspired meals. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a delicious taco night at home, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade tacos like never before!

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Ultimate Taco Meat

Ultimate Taco Meat


  • Author: yamna81
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Ready to elevate your taco game? Try this flavorful taco meat recipe! Made with fresh ingredients and packed with taste, it’s perfect for your next taco night. Easy to make and sure to keep everyone coming back for more!


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/4 cup beef broth


Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the meat mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the meat mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Once the meat has thickened and is fully cooked, remove from heat.

Notes

This Ultimate Taco Meat is perfect for filling tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or topping nachos. 

You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding some diced jalapeños.

Leftover taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4

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