This is the BEST Taco Meat Recipe and is so easy to make. We love the homemade taco seasoning with it and use this cooked taco meat in so many different recipes! Whether in tacos, or taco bowls or even a taco salad, this ground meat is so versatile and great to have on hand.

Our kids really enjoy ground meat in food! Ground meat can be used in a meat and potato casserole dish, or the one-pot bolognese spaghetti or even Ukrainian patties!

The best taco meat recipe in a skillet with a spoon.

how long will taco meat last in the fridge?

If you store the cooked taco meat in an airtight container, it will last 2-3 days. This is perfect if you want to make meat and use it for a few different recipes. Or use it to pack lunch several times.

This makes it the perfect recipe to prepare ahead of time.

can taco meat be frozen?

FREEZE: To freeze the cooked ground beef, cool completely and transfer to a freezer bag or container. For best results, use the frozen meat within 3 months.

THAW: To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight and reheat when before serving.

REHEAT: Reheat the meat over low heat so it doesn’t burn the meat. TIP: Add oil or butter if the meat is dry.

Homemade ground beef taco meat in a black spoon in a skillet.

what kind of meat do you use?

You’ll want to use lean meat, but not extra lean. We’ve for the perfect meat to be about 85/15. Just don’t forget to drain any excess fat before adding the taco seasoning.

seasoning-

The seasoning in this recipe is just right. It’s not overly spicy or bland. However, we all have different taste buds and tolerate heat differently, add more or less of the chili powder to taste.

try these other great BEEF recipes:

Ground taco meat topped with fresh chopped greens in a white skillet and a spoon.

Save this homemade taco meat recipe and use it with all of your favorite recipes using this recipe!

Taco Meat Recipe

Author: Valentina
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5 from 5 votes
This taco meat recipe makes the most flavorful ground beef. Use this beef in tacos, bowls, and salads; the options are endless! This recipe comes together in less than 15 minutes, and you’ll have the perfect taco meat every time.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb  85/15 ground beef
  • 3 Tbsp chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp taco seasoning

Instructions

  • Cook the ground beef over medium-high until it browns. Drain any excess fat using a paper towel.
  • Add the broth, ketchup, and taco seasoning to the meat. Bring to a simmer, cook about 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

    • Store: Store leftover taco meat in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
    • Reheat: Reheat leftover taco meat over low-medium heat until warm. 
    • Freeze: Place cooled taco meat in a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition

196kcal Calories1g Carbs13g Protein15g Fat6g Saturated Fat54mg Cholesterol160mg Sodium204mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar99IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C14mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Taco Meat Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 196 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 160mg7%
Potassium 204mg6%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 99IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 14mg1%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)