Taco Meat Ground Beef Mexican (Printer-Friendly)
Savory ground beef with spices cooks fast for easy tacos, burritos, salads, and more.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Main
01 -
1 pound ground beef (70-80% lean)
→ Seasonings
02 -
1 tablespoon chili powder
03 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
09 -
0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Sauce
10 -
0.75 cup tomato sauce
→ Optional Additions
11 -
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until evenly browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 -
Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the meat.
03 -
Pour tomato sauce into the skillet. Mix well to distribute the sauce and spices. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
04 -
For added heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Simmer for an additional minute, then taste and adjust seasoning as preferred.
05 -
Spoon the prepared meat mixture into taco shells or use as desired in burritos, quesadillas, salads, or as a topping for nachos.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Allowing the meat to simmer with spices enhances flavor and texture; use leaner beef for a lighter dish.