Description
A deeply flavorful, homemade taco meat made with slow-cooked onions, toasted spices, and juicy ground beef—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for tacos, bowls, nachos, and more. No store-bought packets needed!
Ingredients
- For the Taco Meat:
- 1–2 tbsp canola oil (or neutral high-heat oil)
- 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- For Serving:
- Taco shells (corn or flour)
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo or salsa
- Black beans (optional)
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook onions: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add onions and pinch of salt. Cook 7–10 min until soft and golden.
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast spices: Add paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. Toast 30–60 seconds until aromatic.
- Brown beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Sprinkle with sugar and salt. Cook 8–10 min until browned.
- Adjust: Taste and add more salt, cumin, or spice if needed. Add splash of water if too dry.
- Serve: Warm taco shells and fill with meat and your favorite toppings. Finish with lime juice.
Notes
- Cook onions slowly—they build the flavor foundation.
- Toast spices to unlock depth and richness.
- For vegetarian: use plant-based crumbles or lentils.
- For milder flavor: omit cayenne.
- Double and freeze for quick future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American