Ground Taco Meat w/ Homemade Seasoning
Finally after years of people asking how I make Taco Meat at home, I’m giving you my favorite Ground Taco Meat w/ Homemade Seasoning recipe!
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make us happy. I mean, is everyone not making tacos at their house like once a week? If you’re not making your own taco seasoning, ya need to! No more buying prepackaged seasoning with who knows what ingredients, when you can easily make it at home yourself and adjust it to your liking!
How to make homemade taco seasoning?
It’s actually quite simple. Most of you probably have the ingredients on hand, and if not, you can find them at any grocery store. Per usual, I like to keep it simple.
- Chili Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cumin
- Paprika
Feel free to make it a bit spicier with some red chili flakes or chipotle powder. You’re the boss! One key tip is to use really good salt. I love using Redmond Salt because of its amazing flavor.
Can I make taco seasoning ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can even make a big batch to keep on hand to use over several months! Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices, that’s the beauty of making it yourself.
I make this taco meat all the time for my family and both the girls and Zach love it. You can use it for tacos, salads, burritos, casseroles, and more! I love to double the batch and use the leftover meat for lunches all week long. BEST LEFTOVERS EVER. Wanna try a Slow Cooker version? Try my Slow Cooker Taco Meat, it’s a game changer for busy weeknights!
I highly recommend using a stainless steel pan to cook this taco meat, if you have one! (Here’s why, plus more about the best types of pans & cookware for your kitchen).
Can I use ground turkey or ground beef?
Yep! You all know how much I love using ground turkey, but if you prefer beef it will work just as well!
If you wanna take your taco meat to the next level, you MUST try my Quick and Easy Picadillo Recipe! And for more inspiration check out these 8 Ground Turkey Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less!
I’m excited for you to add this to your rotation. It’s so versatile and a great addition to your weekly family meals.
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Ground Taco Meat w/ Homemade Seasoning
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Finally after years of people asking how I make Taco Meat at home, I’m giving you my favorite Ground Taco Meat w/ Homemade Seasoning recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together the chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin and set aside.
- Preheat a large pan over medium/high heat. Add the oil to coat the pan. Add the turkey and begin to break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the spice mixture all over the meat and continue to break it up and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the meat is evenly ground up and covered with the spice mixture.
- Add the stock and stir together for another 2-3 minutes. The stock should create a little sauce and will thicken a little as it cools. Remove from heat and serve!
This is my go-to for taco meat. I have been making this recipe for at least a year and my family loves it. I usually make a double batch for taco night and there’s hardly any leftovers. It’s on our taco night rotation, so I make it at least once a month, if not more.
That’s the best news ever! So happy it’s a family staple.
The best I’ve found to be true to a taco style flavor at home. I didn’t have beef last night so I cooked up some chicken breast with this same idea and made enchiladas.
Sounds like a great swap!
This recipe is a staple in our house. My three year devours this meat. It’s so quick, easy, and full of flavor. You can use it in many different dishes.
Kid wins are the best! She’s got good taste 🙂
This is my goto recipe for tacos and nachos. So easy and so good. Why did I ever buy those taco seasoning packets!
Right? Never buy those packets again!
Love this taco seasoning! The chicken stock adds good flavor. I never thought of doing that before!
Yay!! And it makes it extra saucy!
Perfect blend of spices. I’ve only ever used this on tofu for a burrito or burrito bowl situation, and it’s amazing! Just omit the broth. Squeeze out the moisture from extra firm tofu, heat olive oil in a pan, crumble the tofu in and add the spices. Cook on med-high until browned. Prob 10-15 mins. Then add a can of black beans. Serve with rice, some kind of slaw and guac and any other toppings you like!
Yes!!! Sounds so good!!
Can you use water instead of chicken broth? On a specific diet and cannot use chicken broth.
Yes, absolutely!
So yummy and makes taco night a no brainer when there is beef in the freezer and I already have all the spices on hand.
just made this taco seasoning mix tonight w/ground beef and for spicy i used trader joes chili lime seasoning. So delicious!
Yay!!!
So easy and delicious! I’ve been making this at least 2x per month since I found your recipe. Thanks for the yummy recipe!
I’m so glad!