Taco Meat
I have a few secrets to share with you today about how I make the tastiest taco meat. A simple combination of spices, plus extra flavor from smoked paprika, with a little tomato paste added in for depth of flavor makes incredibly good taco meat.
Servings: 4
Calories: 220kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp mild chili powder unsalted
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic granules sometimes called garlic powder, unsalted
- 1 tsp onion granules unsalted
- 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup unseasoned tomato sauce
Optional Additions:
- 15 ounce canned black beans drained and well-rinsed
- 1/2 cup salsa or more to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot but not smoking, add the ground beef and break it up into small bits with a utensil.
- Drain any excess grease, if needed, when the ground beef is cooked and broken up. Then add the spices and stir to combine.
- Next, add the tomato paste and 1/4 cup of water and stir, breaking up the tomato paste until the meat has been completely coated in the sauce.
- Season to taste with additional sea salt if needed, and you're ready to serve with your choice of toppings as tacos or taco bowls!
- Or you can follow my budget-friendly version in the recipe notes and add the black beans and salsa.
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Notes
You can also omit the spices and use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning packet. Simply Organic and Siete both make great healthier options, Simply Organic is our personal favorite.
Black Bean Variation: Drain and rinse 1-15oz can black beans and add them to the skillet after the tomato paste along with the salsa. Cook 1-2 minutes to heat through, season to taste with salt and serve.
Serve with: tortillas, grated cheddar/jalapeno jack, shredded romaine, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and diced red onions.
Make it a taco bowl: steamed rice, black beans, Fajita Veggies, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes or salsa, and sour cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 739mg | Potassium: 519mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 924IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 4mg