How to Make Taco Beef
Tacos are a popular Tex-Mex dish that are easy to make and customize with your favorite fillings and toppings. The key to great tacos is flavorful, juicy taco meat. When seasoned properly, ground beef transforms into the star of the show in tacos, burritos, taco salads, and more. Follow this guide to learn how to make tasty taco beef at home.
Ingredients for Taco Beef
Ground Beef – 85% lean ground beef provides flavorful fat without being too greasy. Ground chuck or ground sirloin are good options.
Taco Seasoning – You can make homemade taco seasoning or use store-bought packets Homemade has more flavor and allows you to control the sodium. Store-bought is very convenient
Tomato Paste – Tomato paste adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor. Just a couple tablespoons makes a big difference.
Water – Adding a small amount of water when cooking ground beef helps the meat retain moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Optional Toppings – Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.
Equipment for Making Taco Beef
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Large skillet – For cooking the ground beef. A 12-inch skillet provides plenty of room.
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Wooden spoon – For breaking up and stirring the beef as it cooks.
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Colander – For draining excess grease after cooking the beef.
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Taco shells or tortillas – The vessel for your tasty taco beef filling.
How to Cook Taco Beef
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Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat thoroughly with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains. -
Drain the Grease
Once cooked, transfer the beef to a colander and allow the excess grease to drain off. Let it drain for at least one minute. -
Add Seasoning and Flavorings
Return the beef to the skillet over medium heat. Add the homemade taco seasoning or 1 packet of store-bought seasoning. Also stir in the tomato paste and 1/4 cup of water. -
Simmer
Allow the mixture to come up to a simmer. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is nicely coated in the seasoned mixture. -
Finish and Serve
Turn off heat. If serving right away, build tacos by layering the hot taco beef into warmed taco shells or tortillas. Top with desired taco toppings.
Tips for Flavorful Taco Beef
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If the beef seems dry, stir in a little more water 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired juicy consistency is reached.
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For extra flavor, add diced onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, or cilantro to the beef mixture.
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Try using a mix of half ground beef and half ground pork or chorizo for a meaty depth of flavor.
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For a smoky taste, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika in the homemade taco seasoning.
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Serve the taco beef in crunchy taco shells, soft tortillas, lettuce wraps, or taco salad bowls.
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Garnish with lime wedges for a burst of brightness.
Storing and Reheating Taco Beef
Properly stored taco beef will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the beef in a skillet over medium heat with 1-2 tablespoons of water. Stir frequently until hot, adding more water if needed to prevent drying out. The juicy taco beef filling can also be frozen for 1-2 months. Reheat frozen taco meat by placing it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
With its hearty texture and zesty southwest flavor, this easy homemade taco beef filling is an endlessly versatile ingredient. Use it to quickly assemble tacos, stuffed peppers, burritos, nachos, and so much more for a satisfying Tex-Mex style meal. Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or spicy salsa and seasonings. For a fiesta-worthy dinner the whole family will love, whip up a batch of this tasty taco meat today. ¡Olé!
What to make with Mexican Shredded Beef
The beauty of this Mexican Beef is that it’s 100% freezer friendly and can be used for dozens of dishes, making it a brilliant standby for quick meals. Here’s just a few ideas:
- Tacos (this recipe)
- Nachos – switch out the chicken in this Shredded Chicken Nachos recipe
- Burritos – freezer friendly!
- Quesadillas – switch out one of the fillings for this beef
- Beef Enchiladas – skip the ground beef/mince filling and spices, just use this beef instead. (Still make the Enchilada Sauce, use the refried beans etc)
- Mexican Plates – Piled beef over Mexican Red Rice with a big dollop of Guacamole, Pico de Gallo and sour cream, corn on the cob, finish with lime wedges and fresh coriander/cilantro
What goes in Slow Cooker Mexican Beef
There’s a ton of spices in this that makes up the flavour of the braising liquid which becomes the sauce!
The secret ingredient is orange juice – it’s actually quite a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. For example, it’s used in Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) and the marinade for Chicken Fajitas.
It doesn’t make the broth taste orangey at all – it totally transforms when slow cooked, and adds a touch of sweetness and flavour into the sauce.
How To Make: Ground Meat for Tacos with Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
FAQ
Do you add water to taco meat?
How to make beef taco mix?
- 2 tbsp chilli powder, or to taste.
- 2 tbsp ground cumin.
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika.
- 1 tbsp dried oregano.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder.
- 1 tsp onion powder.
- 1 tsp black pepper.
- 1 tsp salt.
What do you put in tacos of beef?
- 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda.
- 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil.
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced.
- ¼ cup chili powder.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin.
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander.