Name: Tasty Homemade Taco Meat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef ((or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitute)); 1 small onion, finely chopped (finely chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo (minced into a paste); 2-3 jalapeños (optional); 1 packet taco seasoning mix (1.25 oz) (or use homemade seasoning (recipe below)); 1/2 cup tomato sauce; Bayou City Seasonings (to taste); 1 tbs oil (if using lean meat) (optional); 1 tbs chili powder; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp course salt; 1 tsp black pepper

I’m bringing y’all a killer homemade taco meat recipe that’s about to become your new kitchen hero. No more settling for store-bought stuff – we’re talking about crafting your own taco meat masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor and made with a whole lot of love. So, if you’re all about those savory, mouthwatering tacos, stick around and let’s whip up some culinary magic together!

Since you love my taco recipes, you will truly enjoy this Carnitas Recipe, Chipotle Chicken Tacos, and Chicken Tinga !

finished ground beef tacos with a side of pico de Gallo

Tacos are some of the most popular Mexican food around. Being born and raised in Texas has allowed me to be privy to some of the BEST Mexican food, and one thing I have learned is that homemade is a lot better! So this homemade taco meat recipe is tried and true, and super popular amongst friends and family.

Homemade is always better!

When you craft your own taco meat, you take control of the quality and flavor. Moreover, no more mystery additives or preservatives – just pure, wholesome ingredients bursting with taste. Don’t get me wrong, I have definitely used pre mixed taco seasoning and store bought taco meat. Time is not always on our side, and store bout gets the job done. However, making taco meat yourself is pretty quick and painless, you probably have everything you need right at home.

Homemade Taco seasoning mix — chili powder
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne
dried oregan
paprika
ground cumin
course salt
black pepper

Ingredients You Need for the best taco meat

Ground beef: The heart of our taco meat, ground beef delivers a rich and hearty base.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These fiery wonders infuse the dish with smokiness and a touch of heat that’s just right.
White Onion and Garlic: The foundation of flavor, providing a savory base to the tinga sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Keeps the meat moist while simmering and enhances the overall taste.
Seasonings and spices: you have to use some Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning and Bayou City Garlic Pepper for this recipe! In addition, you will need chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, paprika, ground cumin and dried oregano. Traditional Mexican spices that elevate the authentic taste.
Tortillas: for this taco meat recipe we used white corn tortillas. Nevertheless, You can definitely substitute flour tortillas instead, and follow the same exact instructions.

Taco Meat Ingredients: ground beef, taco seasoning, cilantro, jalapeño, chipotle peppers in adobo, tomato sauce, garlic , and onion

Crafting Your Taco Meat

Now, sauté onion and jalapeño (optional) until translucent, then add minced garlic.
Brown ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Sprinkle taco seasoning, mix well, and add tomato sauce. Simmer for a few minutes.
Adjust seasoning, and your taco meat is ready to delight!

ground beef, onion, and jalapeño cooking

taco meat seasoned with homemade taco seasoning to make taco meat

How to Make Tacos

Warm the Tortillas: If you’re using store-bought tortillas, you can heat them up on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. First, cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they become pliable and slightly toasted. Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds until warm and soft.
Next, Prepare the Taco Meat:as mentioned earlier, follow the taco meat recipe until the ground beef is fully cooked.
Assemble the Tacos: Take a warmed tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the prepared ground beef taco meat onto the center of the tortilla.
Add Toppings: Now, it’s time to add your favorite toppings to enhance the flavor and texture of the tacos. You can choose from the optional toppings mentioned earlier or get creative with your own preferences.

ground beef taco with white corn tortilla

ground beef tacos with pico regally and sour cream on corn tortilla

Ways to Savor Your Homemade Taco Meat

Classic Tacos: Load up soft or hard taco shells, layering with your favorite toppings.
Taco Salad: Create a vibrant salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and taco meat.
Burrito Bliss: Wrap in a tortilla with rice, beans, and toppings for a satisfying burrito.
Nachos Extravaganza: Pile on tortilla chips, cheese, jalapenos, and taco meat for epic nachos.

The Best Toppings for Tacos

Some of our favorite toppings for these tacos are:

Diced onions: white onions or red onions are great
Fresh Cilantro
Pico de gallo
Sour cream
Cheese
Sliced radish

Top them with your favorite salsa verde or salsa roja for an extra kick! Add a side of guacamole or sliced avocados for more delicious flavor.

pico de Gallo made with onion, tomato, jalapeño, and lime juice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat?

Absolutely, experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.

How can I make it spicier?

Increase cayenne or add more jalapeños.

Is homemade seasoning better?

this is a matter of preference , but crafting your own taco blend lets you tailor flavors to your liking.

Tasty Homemade Taco Meat Recipe

Kolby Chandler

The best taco meat recipe with savory ground beef seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices, ready in just 30 minutes.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex

Servings 4 people

Calories 147 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitute)
1 small onion, finely chopped finely chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo minced into a paste
2-3 jalapeños optional
1 packet taco seasoning mix (1.25 oz) or use homemade seasoning (recipe below)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
Bayou City Seasonings to taste
1 tbs oil (if using lean meat) optional

Taco seasoning

1 tbs chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp course salt
1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a large skillet or pan, heat oil over medium-high heat (if using lean meat). Add chopped onions and jalapeños (optional) and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground meat to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain meat if necessary.
add mince garlic and chipotle and cook for another 5 minutes
If using pre-packaged taco seasoning, sprinkle it over the cooked meat. If making homemade seasoning, mix all the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and add to the meat. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the seasoning.
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce. If the mixture becomes too dry, you can add a little more tomato sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with Bayou City Seasonings, salt, and pepper if needed
Once the taco meat is cooked and seasoned to your liking, remove the skillet from heat.
Serve the taco meat in taco shells, tortillas of your choice, or nachos. Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, jalapenos, cilantro, and avocado slices.
Enjoy your homemade tacos HOT!

Keyword beef and broccoli recipe, dinner, homemade taco meat, taco meat, tacos, Tex-Mex

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