Beef Taco Meat
Learn how to make beef taco meat with just two ingredients in less than 30 minutes with our failproof recipe! Use it to make beef tacos, bowls, salads, burritos, and so much more.

Growing up, tacos were one of the first things I ever learned how to cook. Probably because they’re so dang easy. Today, I follow the basic method my grandma taught me all those years ago. However, I swap out the store-bought seasoning packets for our homemade blend.
The result is every bit as flavorful and delicious, but our ground beef taco meat recipe is free from unnecessary sugars or additives. Quick and easy to make, we often prepare an extra-large batch to freeze for later. Then, all we have to do is warm it up, and dinner is served.
🌶️ Recipe Ingredients
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete ingredients and instructions!
- Ground Beef – We use 80/20 beef for juicy, more flavorful meat, but lean ground beef works well, too. You can substitute any ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken, if preferred.
- Taco Seasoning – We use our homemade taco seasoning, but store-bought packets work just as well.
👨🏻🍳 How to Make Beef Taco Meat

2. Add the taco meat, and brown until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Drain the excess fat. Then add the seasonings and water, broth, or tomato sauce.
4. Stir to combine and simmer over medium heat to thicken. Getcha some of that!
🌮 How to Make Beef Tacos
The most obvious use for taco meat is beef tacos, of course.
- To make them, warm up flour tortillas. Or, skip this if you prefer crunchy corn taco shells.
- Add the warm taco meat and any toppings.
- Enjoy!
🥑 Topping Ideas
When cooking for the fam, we like to set out a toppings bar so everyone can make their tacos however they want. Our go-to options include:
- Shredded Cheese
- Lettuce
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Diced Tomatoes, Salsa, or Pico de Gallo
- Jalapeños
🌯 More Ways to Use Beef Taco Meat
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it can be. That way, we can enjoy it all week long, and we never get bored.
Try using it to make taco salads, rice bowls, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or even savory egg bites.
⁇ Common Questions
On average, we allow for four ounces of raw ground beef per person. However, if Cam is eating, it’s more like six to eight. So, adjust as needed. We always recommend making more than you think you’ll need – just in case!
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
We recommend eating frozen beef within two to three months. It can technically last three to four, but the taste and texture aren’t as great.
🍽️ More Meal Prep Recipes
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Beef Taco Meat Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 4 Tablespoons taco seasoning or to taste
- 1/4-1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, and brown, breaking it into pieces as it cooks.2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 to 1/2 cup water.4 Tablespoons taco seasoning or to taste, 1/4-1/2 cup water
- Bring the water to a boil, stirring frequently. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Getcha some of that!