Taco Meat
Taco Meat made simple! Learn to make flavorful, juicy taco meat for the ultimate taco night or meal prep favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Ground Meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef (or turkey). Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir frequently and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Season the Meat:
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add Tomato Paste and Liquid:
- Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it blends well with the meat mixture. Pour in the beef broth (or water), stirring to create a slightly thick sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finish and Serve:
- Once the mixture thickens, squeeze the lime juice over the taco meat and stir well. Remove from heat.
Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve the taco meat in tortillas, over a salad, or in taco bowls with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and avocado.