Easy Homemade Taco Meat Recipe

A quick and flavorful Taco Tuesday dinner 

Easy homemade taco meat recipe served in flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, corn, red onion, cilantro, and salsa on a rustic wooden table

Looking for a simple weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? This easy homemade taco meat recipe comes together in just 15 minutes using lean ground beef and pantry spices you likely already have on hand.

Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, taco salads, or meal prep lunches, this versatile recipe is packed with flavor while keeping things simple and nutritious. 

Skip the store-bought seasoning packets and make your own delicious taco meat at home with wholesome ingredients and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, avocado, salsa, cheese, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for the ultimate Taco Tuesday meal! 

Makes 6-8 servings

What You Need:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef  
  • 1 tbsp chili powder  
  • 1 tsp cumin  
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika  
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano  
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder  
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder  
  • 1/2 tsp salt  
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper  
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce  
  • 1 tbsp lime juice  

How to Make the Homemade Taco Meat Recipe:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.  
  2. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.  
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and lime juice. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and flavorful.  
  4. Serve in taco shells, lettuce wraps, burrito bowls, salads, or over rice with your favourite toppings. 

Optional Toppings 

  • Shredded lettuce  
  • Diced tomatoes  
  • Avocado or guacamole  
  • Shredded cheese  
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt  
  • Salsa or pico de gallo  
  • Fresh cilantro  
  • Lime wedges 
Nutrients per serving

Calories: 127 kcal
Carbs: 2 g
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 8.0 g
Sat Fat: 3.1 g
Fibre: 0.7 g
Sodium: 274 mg
Potassium: 237 mg
Calcium: 16 mg
Iron: 2 mg

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