Description
This 20 Minutes Taco Meat recipe offers a quick and flavorful ground beef filling perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, or salads. Packed with bold Mexican-inspired spices and a fresh hint of lime and cilantro, this easy stovetop dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquids and Fresh Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add 1 finely chopped small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the spices: Stir in 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if using. Cook for about 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Simmer with liquids: Pour in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 cup beef broth. Stir everything to combine, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Finish with lime and cilantro: Just before serving, stir in the juice of half a lime and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately as a delicious taco or burrito filling.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- To meal prep, double the recipe and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze cooked taco meat for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
