No seasoning packet needed! In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to make perfectly-seasoned ground beef for your favorite tacos.
Basics by The BakerMama
Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!
Let’s Taco ’bout Beef!
I know that ground beef tacos aren’t exactly *authentic* Mexican cuisine. But they’re popular for a reason. Ground beef tacos are quick and easy to make and they’re so delicious! Pile ’em high with shredded cheese, some fresh tomatoes, black beans, salsa, guacamole and sour cream and it’s heaven!
Store bought seasoning packets may make taco night even easier, but I found they were a bit too salty with little flavor. So I put together a blend of spices that make the perfect taco meat seasoning–and honestly, it’s just as simple. The combination of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika and kosher salt makes the very best flavor. It’s perfect foundation for making beef tacos, burritos and nachos. Let’s get started!
How to Make Ground Beef for Tacos
First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a fork as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, no longer pink, and all the grease has cooked down, about 8 to 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika and kosher salt. Pour the seasoning mix and water over the beef and then stir to combine well.
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer until the liquid reduces, about 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
Now that you have a great recipe for taco meat, use it in one of these festive food boards! You can make taco night or any night great with an awesome build-your-own Mexican-inspired board.
I hope you find these simple basics helpful! When you make something with the help of my BakerMama’s Basics series, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see and others can be inspired!
xoxo,
Basics by The BakerMama: How to Make Ground Beef For Tacos
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 pound
Description
No seasoning packet needed! In Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to make perfectly seasoned ground beef for tacos.
- 1 pound ground beef (I like to use 80/20)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a fork as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, no longer pink, and all the grease has cooked down, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika and kosher salt. Pour the seasoning mix and water over the beef and then stir to combine well.
- Bring to a boil, reducethe heat to low, and let simmer until the liquid reduces, about 5 minutes.
