Description
This easy and flavorful taco meat recipe is a quick and tasty way to prepare delicious ground beef seasoned perfectly for tacos. With simple ingredients like lean ground beef, onion, garlic, and taco seasoning, this skillet-cooked dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Others
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2/3 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to be ready for cooking.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks and browns evenly, which will take approximately 5 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: If there is excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it to reduce grease before proceeding.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly into the beef to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in 2/3 cup of water, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (80/20) for the best balance of flavor and fat content.
- Adjust seasoning quantity to taste or use homemade taco seasoning for a personalized spice blend.
- Drain excess fat to keep the dish less greasy but retain flavor.
- This taco meat can be used for tacos, burritos, nachos, or taco salads.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
