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Best Taco Meat

Bold, restaurant-quality taco meat seasoned with a blend of warm spices, perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and more.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl for spice mixing
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute until hot.
  2. Add ground beef and break into small pieces; cook for 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains and meat is deep brown.
  3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for flavor.
  4. Return meat to skillet and add diced onion; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; toast spices for 1 minute.
  7. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
  8. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to meat.
  9. Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, or cayenne as desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the lime juice at the end; it brightens the dish and makes the spices pop.