If you’re craving weeknight comfort, this Simple Taco Meat is the answer—it’s fast, family-friendly, and absolutely bursting with flavor thanks to just a handful of real pantry staples. Juicy ground beef, a kick of taco seasoning, and saucy Mexican tomatoes come together to create the ultimate seasoned taco filling you’ll reach for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: One pan, no fussy steps, and just a few common ingredients are all you need for crowd-pleasing Simple Taco Meat.
- Rich & Saucy Flavor: Stewed tomatoes and taco spices meld right into the beef, ensuring savory, balanced, and never-dry taco filling.
- Versatile for Any Meal: This Simple Taco Meat isn’t just for tacos—load up burritos, nachos, salads, and rice bowls for endless dinner options.
- Meal Prep Winner: Make a big batch, stash some away, and enjoy homemade flavor all week long for quick lunches or busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few tried-and-true ingredients for this Simple Taco Meat, but each plays a huge role in building layers of flavor, juiciness, and classic taco vibes. Let’s break down why every addition really counts.
- Ground beef (2 pounds, 9% lean): The star of the show—using a leaner cut keeps things hearty but not greasy, and gives the meat a supremely satisfying texture.
- Onion (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef, making every bite more flavorful.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, chopped): For that irresistible savory backbone—freshly chopped garlic is absolutely worth the minimal effort.
- Mexican stewed tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each): These bring a mild zesty kick and lots of sauciness; using the full can (juice included) creates luscious, perfectly seasoned meat.
- Taco seasoning (2 tablespoons): The classic spice blend gives you that signature taco flavor in seconds—use homemade or your favorite store-bought mix.
Variations
The beauty of Simple Taco Meat is how easy it is to adapt, whether you’re working with different ingredients, catering to dietary needs, or just wanting to mix up the spice and veggie profile. Try these reader-favorite twists!
- Turkey or Chicken Swap: Trade the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version while keeping all the juicy flavor.
- Spicier, Bolder Flavors: Add diced jalapeños when cooking the onions, or toss in a pinch of cayenne for a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Taco “Meat”: Sub your favorite plant-based ground, or try a half-and-half mix with finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for heartiness.
- Boosted Veggies: Throw in bell peppers, corn, or even shredded zucchini for more color and nutrients—your taco filling, your rules!
How to Make Simple Taco Meat
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics & Brown the Beef
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic all at once—no need to pre-cook anything separately! Break up the meat as it cooks, stirring often. In about 6–8 minutes, the beef should be evenly browned and the onions soft, filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Seasoning, Then Simmer
Pour in both cans of Mexican stewed tomatoes—don’t drain them; that saucy juice is gold! Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Turn the heat down slightly and let the mixture bubble gently, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. This is when the magic happens: the flavors mingle, the sauce thickens, and you’re left with Simple Taco Meat that’s savory, juicy, and ready for anything.
Step 3: Taste & Adjust
Before serving, give your taco meat a quick taste. If you love extra heat or zing, add a pinch more seasoning, a little salt, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also simmer a bit longer for a thicker texture—it’s all about making it perfect for your favorite taco night setup.
Pro Tips for Making Simple Taco Meat
- Choose the Right Pan: A deep, heavy-bottomed skillet is best for browning beef evenly and giving you space to stir without splatter.
- Don’t Drain the Tomatoes: The juices bring moisture and flavor—adding them straight from the can ensures your Simple Taco Meat stays saucy and never dry.
- Tweak the Texture: If you prefer a thicker taco filling, let the mixture simmer longer; for a saucier finish perfect for rice bowls, reduce the cook time just a bit.
- Make it a Meal Prep Staple: Double the batch! This meat stores and reheats like a dream, making future taco nights even quicker.
How to Serve Simple Taco Meat
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are the secret to making your Simple Taco Meat pop! I love showering mine with crisp shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Scatter on fresh cilantro or a handful of sliced green onions for an instant color boost and dose of freshness.
Side Dishes
To round out your taco night, keep things classic with warm tortilla chips, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, and sweet corn salad on the side. Refried beans or charro beans are a hearty addition for bigger appetites, and a quick mango salsa is the perfect sweet-tangy contrast to the savory beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just think tacos—Pile this Simple Taco Meat onto nachos and bake for a cheesy appetizer, layer it in burritos for an on-the-go meal, stuff it into bell peppers and bake, or spoon generously over loaded baked potatoes. It’s also amazing for taco salads or as a “taco bar” centerpiece for parties where everyone customizes their plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Taco Meat keeps beautifully. Let it cool, then transfer into an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a lifesaver for easy lunches or busy evenings.
Freezing
This taco meat is freezer-friendly, so make a double batch and save time later! Cool the mixture fully, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label and date for extra kitchen confidence.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat the meat over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway—just take care not to overdo it, so those flavors stay bold and the texture stays tender.
FAQs
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Can I make Simple Taco Meat ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat a day or two in advance—just store in the fridge and reheat before serving. In fact, the flavors often meld and get even better with a little rest.
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What can I use instead of ground beef for Simple Taco Meat?
Ground turkey, ground chicken, or your favorite plant-based protein make excellent substitutes. You can even mix in cooked lentils or beans for extra fiber and a unique twist.
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Are Mexican stewed tomatoes essential, or can I use regular diced tomatoes?
Mexican stewed tomatoes add extra flavor thanks to added herbs and mild chilies, but you can substitute regular stewed or diced tomatoes—just consider adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to boost the flavor.
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How can I make Simple Taco Meat less spicy for kids?
Opt for a mild taco seasoning and skip any added jalapeños or hot sauce. A splash of tomato sauce can also mellow things out and appeal to milder tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Taco Meat is the MVP of easy weeknight dinners—packed with flavor and endlessly versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your own kitchen rotation. Gather your family or friends, set out the toppings, and let everyone build their perfect taco—happy cooking!
Print
Simple Taco Meat Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for flavorful taco meat using ground beef, onions, garlic, Mexican stewed tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or topping salads.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 2 pounds ground beef (I used 9% lean)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
Sauce:
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Mexican Stewed Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook and stir until the beef is browned and onions are translucent.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the Mexican Stewed Tomatoes (with juice) and taco seasoning to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Once the mixture is bubbly and well combined, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy in tacos, burritos, or as a salad topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
