Description
This Easy and Flavorful Taco Meat recipe offers a quick and delicious way to prepare ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos, this simple skillet dish combines sautéed onions, garlic, and a zesty taco seasoning for a tasty meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2/3 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, allowing it to heat up which helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor extraction from aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant which forms the flavor base.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until fully browned, ensuring no pink remains.
- Season the Meat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed for a leaner dish. Stir in the taco seasoning thoroughly to evenly coat the beef.
- Simmer: Pour in 2/3 cup of water, reduce heat to low, and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and melds the flavors together.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and less grease.
- Adjust the amount of water for desired sauce consistency.
- Feel free to add extra spices like cumin or chili powder for more depth.
- This taco meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.
- Serve with tortillas, rice, or as a topping for salads and nachos.
