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Homemade Taco Meat

Homemade Taco Meat
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Learn how to make perfect Homemade Taco Meat with authentic Mexican flavors, a traditional blend of spices, and a simple cooking method that locks in juiciness and tenderness. This versatile recipe is ideal for tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, and more, ready in under 30 minutes for quick and flavorful meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Base Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. This preparation helps the onion caramelize quickly and allows the garlic to release its fragrance, forming a flavorful base for the taco meat.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it without stirring for a few minutes to develop a nice browning before breaking it apart, ensuring a juicy and well-textured meat layer.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Stir in the onions, cooking until soft and translucent, then add garlic to the skillet. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to one minute, to unlock deep flavor in the dish.
  4. Add the Spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat mixture. Stir well so the spices coat the meat completely, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully during cooking.
  5. Mix in Tomato Paste and Liquid: Stir in the tomato paste, which enriches the flavor and adds thickness, then pour in the beef broth or water for moisture to prevent dryness. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes to bring the flavors together.
  6. Final Simmer and Taste: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let all ingredients simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or chili powder if you want a bolder flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for vibrant flavor as they lose potency over time.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to brown meat better and keep it juicy.
  • Drain excess fat after cooking the beef for a cleaner taste and texture.
  • Adjust heat gradually by adding spices slowly and tasting as you go.
  • Let the meat rest briefly off heat before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco meat, ground beef taco, Mexican ground beef, homemade taco filling, taco seasoning, quick taco meat

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/homemade-taco-meat/