How to Make Ground Beef Taco Meat, Easy, Stovetop
This is the best Ground Beef Taco Meat recipe for an easy meal prep protein that takes minimal effort and can be used in various different ways! Add the meat mixture to taco bowls with your choice of toppings, chopped salads, to make your own taco for taco night, or as a burrito filling for a quick dinner.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (I use 93%)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon each: garlic powder, paprika, smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (start with ½ teaspoon if using fine table salt, more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼-½ cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil until heated. Turn down to medium heat. Add the ground beef and break apart the beef with a meat chopper, flat spatula, or wooden spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef starts to brown.
- Add the seasonings, water, and tomato paste. Continue to cook until the beef is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, adding more water as needed.
- Hint: you don't need to stir it constantly, just break it apart, make sure everything is coated in the seasonings and then stir every minute of two until it's done.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Be sure to preheat your pan before adding the oil and heat the oil before adding the beef. This helps it to brown instead of steam.
- You don't need to stir it constantly while it cooks. Just stir every couple of minutes to scrape up brown bits.
- Add liquid as needed. Start with a couple tablespoon of water and add up to a quarter cup.
- With a lower lean-to-fat ratio like 90% or 93% ground beef, you don't need to drain off excess grease. If you use 85%, you will need to drain off grease or use a paper towel to absorb it.
- Careful not to overcook the ground beef as this will dry it out.
- I look for grass-fed ground beef.
- Refrigerator - store ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer - store cooked ground beef in the freezer in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. If you want to use single servings later, freeze servings in separate bags.
- To Reheat - thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the skillet or in the microwave. To prevent it from drying out, you can add a splash of broth or water.
For more nutrition information and tips, visit mallorythedietitian.com. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 😊
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5 cup (approximate)Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
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