Ultimate Taco Meat Recipe
aco meat is the cornerstone of a great taco, and the perfect taco meat recipe can elevate your meal to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a taco night with friends, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving some delicious tacos, having the right taco meat recipe can make all the difference. This ultimate taco meat recipe brings together the right balance of flavor, spices, and textures to create a delicious filling that can be used in tacos, burritos, nachos, and even taco salads.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Filling:
- 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice from 1 lime
- Shells and Toppings:
- 16 taco shells warmed according to package instructions
- Optional: shredded Mexican blend cheese shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, diced avocados, diced onions, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with baking soda and salt. Mix thoroughly and let it sit for 10 minutes. The baking soda helps to tenderize the meat, making it juicy when cooked.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat 1½ tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the Spices:
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
- Simmer the Beef:
- Add the tomato sauce, water, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Add Lime Juice:
- Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with more salt or cayenne if desired. The lime juice adds a nice zesty kick to balance the richness of the beef.
- Prepare Taco Shells and Toppings:
- While the beef is simmering, warm the taco shells according to the package instructions. Prepare your toppings: shred the cheese, chop the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, avocados, and onions, and chop cilantro.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon the beef filling into the warmed taco shells. Top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, onions, and cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve your tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.