We enjoy taco night once a week (or sometimes more) at our house. Whether we are making taco bowls, crispy baked tacos, or nachos, it never disappoints. Ground beef is usually our go-to for taco meat as we always have it in the freezer, it’s full of flavor, and cooks up so quickly. No matter what way we are enjoying tacos, this ground beef taco meat is always on the table.
It cooks up in just 15 minutes and is perfectly tender and juicy. The addition of tomato paste and broth helps keep the meat moist while adding a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the spices from the taco seasoning.
Never Miss a Recipe!
Get new recipes like this delivered to your inbox.
This taco meat recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd or to have leftovers on hand during the week. It reheats so well and can be used in so many different ways!
Why we love this ground beef taco meat
- ready in 15 minutes
- packed with flavor – the combination of seasonings and tomato paste is so tasty.
- super versatile – use it in tacos, bowls, nachos, burritos, salads, and more!
- great for meal prep! – make a batch (or double it) to have an easy protein on hand for the week.
Ground beef taco meat ingredients
- olive oil
- onions
- lean ground beef – I like using 90/10 as it’s not too greasy but still has lots of flavor.
- homemade taco seasoning – a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon
- tomato paste
- beef or chicken broth
- salt and pepper
How to make ground beef taco meat
- Saute onion. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, and let it get hot. Add onions, salt, and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Brown your meat. Add ground beef and break it up. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Add taco seasoning, tomato paste, broth, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes until browned and everything is evenly incorporated.
- Enjoy! Use in tacos, taco bowls, salads, or however you like.
How much taco meat per person?
A serving of ground meat 4 ounces. One pound of ground meat will feed 3-4 people, 2 pounds of meat will feed 6-8, and so on. You can adjust the amount according to your eating preferences and goals.
How much taco seasoning per pound of meat?
Use one tablespoon of taco seasoning per pound of ground meat. Add more to taste if desired.
What to make with taco meat
- tacos – flour or corn tortillas or taco shells with lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and avocado are my favorite ways to make them!
- burritos or burrito bowls
- beef tostadas with refried beans
- taco bowls or taco salads
- enchiladas
- nachos – tortilla chips, beans, lots of cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole!
How long does taco meat last in the fridge?
Store beef taco meat in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Can you freeze taco meat?
Taco meat is a great protein to freeze and have on hand for later. Cook according to directions and let the meat cool completely. Add to a bag (we love these silicon reusable ones) or a freezer-safe container. Taco meat should last up to 3 months in the freezer. Defrost in the fridge and reheat when ready to use.
How to reheat taco meat
Reheat leftover taco meat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saute pan. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to ensure it stays moist.
Substitutions for ground beef taco meat
- olive oil – any neutral oil will work.
- onions – leave out if you don’t like onions.
- lean ground beef – ground turkey or ground chicken will work instead.
- homemade taco seasoning – use store-bought taco seasoning mix if desired. You can also use your own homemade spice blend.
- tomato paste – tomato sauce will work instead.
- beef or chicken broth – any kind of broth or water will work.
More healthy taco recipes
- cheesy taco pasta
- beef burrito casserole
- crispy turkey baked tacos
- chicken taco casserole
- grilled flank steak tacos
And if you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Ground Beef Taco Meat
equipment
ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions (120 grams)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I used 90/10)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons beef or chicken broth
- salt and pepper, to taste
instructions
- Saute onion. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, and let it get hot. Add onions, salt, and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Brown your meat. Add ground beef and break it up. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Add taco seasoning, tomato paste, broth, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes until browned and everything is evenly incorporated.
- Enjoy! Use in tacos, taco bowls, salads, or however you like.
nutrition
Get My Guide On
How to Build a Balanced Plate
No recipe, no problem! Learn the key factors to build a balanced plate for sustainable eating and to fuel your body to support your activity, goals, and lifestyle.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive so we can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.