This Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe is the BEST for easy weeknight meals! Season with a homemade taco seasoning blend, which you can easily adjust to your liking and can be used in so many different ways!
Taco night just got a whole lot better with this easy recipe for ground beef taco meat!
If you love ground beef, be sure to try this Stuffed Pepper Casserole next!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
This flavorful taco meat is perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, taco bowls and so much more! And the best part is that it's so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients easily found at your local grocery store.
Ingredients you’ll need
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken
- salsa, tomato salsa or tomato paste (if you use paste be sure to add ¼ cup of water)
- taco seasoning - I prefer using my own seasoning blend.
And for your tacos you'll need hard taco shells or flour tortillas depending on your preference. Plus the fixings - shredded lettuce or shredded cabbage, tomatoes, sour cream, olives, shredded cheese, etc.
Creative variations to try
- Add more heat to your ground beef taco meat by using hot salsa, or adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper to your taco meat.
- Stretch this meat a little further to feed a large crowd, by adding in a can of drained black beans, pinto beans or even a can of refried beans. This is a great way to reduce costs. Check the spice level to make sure it's seasoned correctly.
- Add more flavor to this meat by adding a diced large onion to the mixture while you are browning it. You can never go wrong with onions, I say!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Crumbling the meat into up into small chunks.
- Once browned, drain excess fat. Return meat to heat and add in salsa, water, and spice mix.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
Essential tools for this recipe
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- measuring cup and spoon
- large skillet
- large wooden spoon
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
I prefer to use ground chuck, but you can use any type of ground beef that your family prefers.
Each taco uses about 2 to 3 ounces of beef, so you can make 5 to 8 tacos per pound of ground beef.
I suggest planning one pound of meat per every four people.
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
Serving taco meat for a party? Keep this beef warm in the slow cooker on low heat or on a warm setting. If it dries out you can add a little water or beef broth to loosen it back up.
- If you are using very lean ground beef you may need to add little oil to your skillet to prevent the meat from sticking.
- I used homemade taco seasoning in this recipe, but you can use one of your favorite taco seasoning packets instead.
- The sky's the limit when it comes to toppings for your tacos, we like sour cream, pico de gallo, and diced tomatoes but you can use your favorite toppings with this recipe.
Storage
Refrigerate - Leftover taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezer - Taco meat can be stored in the freezer for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat - Reheat leftovers in the microwave for one minute until warm all the way through. Or, in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or beef broth to help loosen the meat and add some moisture.
Related recipes
- Elevate your Taco Dip with Ground Beef with this taco meat recipe!
- This Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup recipe is the perfect comfort food dinner for a busy weeknight meal. Gather your friends and family around the table and enjoy a hearty bowl of this flavorful soup.
- Are you looking for a new recipe to liven up Taco Tuesday? Well, look no further than this Chili's Shrimp Tacos recipe. It's a great way to breathe new life into your monthly meal plan.
- Not tacos, but this recipe for Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas is drool-worthy delicious!
- Turn your favorite meal into an easy dinner by making a Taco Salad Casserole next time you get a taco craving.
Uses for ground beef taco meat
- The homemade taco meat is perfect in your burrito bowls, and taco bowls.
- Serve over tortilla chips and top with salsa for the BEST Nachos. Over tatter tots, turns it into the amazing Tachos!
- Make a big batch for your taco party.
- Great for soft tacos and crunchy tacos.
- Make a quick taco salad - yum!
- The sky's the limit with this. It's the juiciest taco meat!
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If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ounces packet taco seasoning mix
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Crumbling the meat into up into small chunks.
- Once browned, drain excess grease. Return meat to heat and add in salsa, water, and spice mix. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
Sue Turcsany says
This is great and in fact it's the same way that I've been making this for many years. Like another reader said it is very versatile, easy to make and can be used in all types of recipes. If you make too much, it also freezes very well and when thawed still retains the same flavor and texture.
Debra Clark says
That is great feedback! Thanks so much Sue for taking a moment to leave your comment, I appreciate it!
Lois says
Fix this and it will be ready for several different things you can make the last minute. You could make a a taco salad, or put together tacos you could serve it over a baked potato. So many ways you could use it. Love it.