This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. View our Disclaimer Policy.
Ground Beef Tacos are made with lean ground beef and seasoned with homemade taco seasoning. This recipe is ready in only 20 minutes and is perfect for tacos, quesadillas, taco pizzas, nachos, and taco salads!
Quick and Easy Dinner
What’s the quickest, easiest, and most delicious dinner for a busy weeknight? You guessed it, TACOS! Let’s not forget how versatile taco meat is. Use it for Tater Tot Nachos, Taco Bell Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme, or Cheesy Taco Pasta. My favorite way to use leftover taco meat is for quesadillas. So cheesy and so gooey!
I used to think that the only way to make tacos was with premade taco seasoning packets. I was so wrong. This homemade seasoning packs so much flavor you won’t even believe it!
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
This recipe requires the easiest ingredients and most of them could be found in your pantry! To make Ground Beef Taco Meat, you will need:
- Hamburger
- White onion
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos
Brown the hamburger meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. We use 90% lean ground beef, so we like to keep the extra grease in the pan. Drain the meat if you’re using a higher percentage.
While the hamburger meat is cooking, combine the seasonings. Add the diced onions, seasonings, and water, and stir occasionally. This is also when you will add additional add-ins, such as cooked rice, corn, or Rotel.
Let simmer over low or medium-low heat until the sauce thickens up and your desired consistency is reached. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes.
Make the Best Taco Pizza
This recipe is also delicious as a taco pizza!
Make fresh pizza dough or use thawed from frozen dough. Bake the dough for a few minutes (or according to package directions). Layer refried beans and ground beef taco meat on top. Cover with your favorite cheese and bake according to recipe or package directions. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings such as:
- Sour cream
- Salsa or taco sauce
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Olives
- Nacho cheese flavored chips
Ground Beef Taco Add-Ins
There are many delicious ways to stretch taco meat (and for cheap!).
One of my favorite add-ins is one 15-ounce can of drained black beans added during Step 3. We find the added beans are especially good when making burritos and taco salads! Cooked rice, corn, or a can of Rotel would also make great additions.
How to Store Ground Beef Taco Meat
Refrigerator: Taco meat can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.
Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Portion the meat and reheat in the microwave until hot.
Ground Beef Taco Meat
Ingredients
- lb hamburger meat we use 90/10
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
For the Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Brown hamburger meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (drain hamburger if necessary).
- While the hamburger meat is cooking, combine the seasonings.
- Add diced onions and seasonings.
- Add water and stir occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer until the desired consistency is reached (about 5 to 8 minutes).
Nutrition
* Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients used and cooking methods.
Adapted from AllRecipes, Taco Seasoning I.
Thank you so much for visiting us! If you enjoyed this recipe, please let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Reply