This Taco Bell Meat Recipe is a homemade version of the seasoned ground beef used in their tacos, burritos, and other menu items. The flavorful blend of spices and simple ingredients creates a delicious, versatile filling that you can use in all your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like Taco Bell’s seasoned beef
- Easy to make with common pantry spices
- Versatile for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more
- Budget-friendly and healthier than fast food
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
Directions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to break the beef into very fine crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, and beef bouillon powder.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the seasoning mix and flour over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
- Simmer: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Serve: Use the seasoned beef as a filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or any of your favorite dishes!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Make it leaner: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute with crumbled tofu, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
- Add veggies: Mix in finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Spicy version: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy taco meat: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese before serving for a creamy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Portion the cooked meat into freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. How do I get the ground beef to be fine and crumbly like Taco Bell’s?
Use a potato masher or a spatula to break the meat into very small pieces while cooking. Adding a bit of water helps achieve the desired texture.
2. Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner option.
3. What kind of beef is best for Taco Bell-style meat?
80/20 ground beef works well for flavor and moisture, but you can use leaner beef if preferred.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then add it to a slow cooker with the spices and water. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
5. What can I serve with this seasoned beef?
Use it for tacos, burritos, nachos, taco salads, or even in stuffed peppers and casseroles.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free, it can be gluten-free.
7. Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! This meat freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping.
8. How can I make this recipe milder for kids?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and opt for mild chili powder.
9. Can I use fresh garlic and onion instead of powdered?
Yes, sauté finely chopped fresh garlic and onion with the beef before adding the spices.
10. How do I keep the meat moist and flavorful?
Simmering the meat with water and seasoning helps lock in moisture and enhances the flavor.
Conclusion
This Taco Bell Meat Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite fast-food tacos at home. With just a few simple ingredients and spices, you can recreate that classic seasoned beef that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, and more. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep session, this versatile and delicious meat is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy the taste of Taco Bell without leaving your home!
Print
Taco Bell Meat Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This recipe replicates the classic seasoned ground beef used in Taco Bell’s tacos, burritos, and more. It’s perfectly seasoned, soft in texture, and ideal for recreating your favorite fast-food meals at home. Use it in tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or whatever you crave!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp beef bouillon powder (or 1/2 bouillon cube, crushed)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for umami flavor)
Instructions
-
Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into very fine crumbles with a spoon or potato masher.
- Cook until the beef is no longer pink, but do not drain the fat.
-
Create the Seasoning Mix:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
-
Add Seasoning to Beef:
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the cooked beef.
- Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
-
Simmer with Water:
- Add water, beef bouillon, and soy sauce to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced and the beef is well-coated in a flavorful sauce.
-
Adjust Consistency:
- If the beef is too dry, add a splash more water.
- If it’s too saucy, let it simmer a bit longer.
-
Serve:
- Use the meat immediately in tacos, burritos, or your favorite Taco Bell-inspired dishes.
Notes
- Texture Tip: For an authentic fine texture, use a potato masher or a whisk while cooking the beef.
- Make It Ahead: You can make a large batch of the meat and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Versatile Use: This meat works great in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, or even as a topping for taco salads.