Go Back
Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe4
Print Recipe Save it for later

Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe

This ground beef taco meat recipe is packed with bold spices and easy to make, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers juicy, flavorful meat ideal for tacos, burritos, and more.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Easy, Ground Beef, Quick, Spicy, Taco
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor and juiciness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

Instructions

  • Before you start cooking, chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Having all the spices measured and ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the meat cooks evenly.
  • Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the browned beef. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat evenly and become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and then pour in the beef broth (or water). Mix well to combine. The liquid will help the spices meld together and keep the meat juicy.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken into a rich, saucy coating for the beef.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vinegar. This brightens the flavor and balances the spices beautifully.
  • Your ground beef taco meat is ready! Serve it warm in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Spatula

Notes

Use freshly ground spices for best flavor and choose ground beef with some fat for juiciness. Don’t skip the vinegar which adds brightness. For more heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Variations include using ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian substitutes like lentils or TVP. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.