Better-Than-The-Packet Taco Meat
Better-Than-The-Packet Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- 1
In a large skillet or pan, brown the 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it is fully cooked through and no pink remains.
⏱️ 7 min
- 2
Carefully drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef in the pan. You can tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, or transfer the beef to a colander.
⏱️ 1 min
- 3
Return the pan with the drained ground beef to the stovetop. Add the following spices directly to the pan: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
⏱️ 1 min
- 4
If you prefer a spicier taco meat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pan along with the other spices.
- 5
Stir all the added spices thoroughly into the ground beef until they are well combined and the beef is evenly coated.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
In a separate small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water. Whisk this mixture vigorously until it is smooth and there are no lumps.
⏱️ 1 min
- 7
Pour the cornstarch and water mixture into the pan with the seasoned beef.
- 8
Stir the mixture well to incorporate the cornstarch slurry. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
⏱️ 5 min
- 9
Remove from heat and serve the homemade taco meat immediately with your favorite taco shells and toppings.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Better-Than-The-Packet Taco Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- 1
In a large skillet or pan, brown the 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it is fully cooked through and no pink remains.
⏱️ 7 min - 2
Carefully drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef in the pan. You can tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, or transfer the beef to a colander.
⏱️ 1 min - 3
Return the pan with the drained ground beef to the stovetop. Add the following spices directly to the pan: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
⏱️ 1 min - 4
If you prefer a spicier taco meat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pan along with the other spices.
- 5
Stir all the added spices thoroughly into the ground beef until they are well combined and the beef is evenly coated.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
In a separate small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water. Whisk this mixture vigorously until it is smooth and there are no lumps.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Pour the cornstarch and water mixture into the pan with the seasoned beef.
- 8
Stir the mixture well to incorporate the cornstarch slurry. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
⏱️ 5 min - 9
Remove from heat and serve the homemade taco meat immediately with your favorite taco shells and toppings.