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Dinner

The Best Homemade Taco Meat

This is a simple and delicious ground beef mixture that makes taco night better than ever.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 20, 2026
The Best Homemade Taco Meat
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Serves
4

Whenever we have taco night, this is the exact recipe I use. It is so much better than the store bought packets, and you probably already have all the spices in your pantry. It is incredibly quick to whip up on a busy weeknight.

You can use this flavorful meat for just about anything. I love adding it to burritos, nachos, or even over a big salad for a quick lunch. My best tip is to let the meat cook until it gets a little crispy on the edges because that extra texture makes all the difference.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.

  2. 2

    Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains.

  3. 3

    Drain any excess fat from the pan if needed.

  4. 4

    Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until the meat is well coated.

  5. 5

    Pour in the water and turn the heat down to low.

  6. 6

    Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces and the sauce thickens onto the meat.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately while hot.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist. This meat also freezes perfectly for up to three months.

#tacos#ground beef#easy dinner#quick meals

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