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Homemade Taco Meat

Homemade Taco Meat
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Homemade Taco Meat is a quick, flavorful, and versatile recipe combining juicy ground meat with bold spices and simple fresh ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this taco filling is customizable, nutritious, and budget-friendly, bringing authentic Mexican-inspired flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein Base

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup water or broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Aromatics: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and to avoid clumps.
  3. Season the Meat: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat. Stir well to coat all pieces with spices and develop their aroma.
  4. Add Tomato and Simmer: Mix in the tomato paste or sauce along with water or broth to keep the mixture moist. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the taco meat and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as desired. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for maximum flavor.
  • Brown meat in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding and steaming.
  • Simmer gently to enhance flavor absorption and keep the meat tender.
  • Add water or broth cautiously to avoid soggy meat.
  • Adjust chili powder gradually to control heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco meat, homemade taco filling, ground beef recipe, ground turkey tacos, easy taco meat, Mexican cuisine, quick dinner, gluten free

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/homemade-taco-meat/