Taco Meat

Seasoned taco meat is a staple in Mexican cuisine, employing a blend of ground beef or other meats cooked with aromatic spices. The recipe incorporates traditional Mexican seasonings like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic, creating a rich and savory profile. Originating from indigenous Mexican culinary practices, this dish's history reflects the fusion of various cultural influences over centuries. The technique involves browning the meat before infusing it with a medley of spices, creating a robust flavor that's integral to authentic taco recipes.

Key ingredients in seasoned taco meat encompass ground beef or alternative meats like pork, chicken, or turkey. The spices, including cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes oregano, contribute to the dish's characteristic bold and zesty taste. Historically, the recipe draws inspiration from pre-Columbian Mexico, where indigenous civilizations cultivated the flavors using local herbs and spices. The technique involves browning the meat in a skillet, allowing the spices to blend and infuse into the meat, resulting in a flavorful and versatile base for a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, or nachos. This culinary tradition remains an integral part of Mexican cuisine, showcasing a fusion of indigenous ingredients and diverse cultural influences.

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Total Time: 20 min

Yield: 4 servings

A skillet full of seasoned taco meat.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef (80%)
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • ½ tsp. smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp. onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. crushed oregano
  • ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper

Seasoning without Chili Powder

  • ½ Tbsp. salt
  • ½ Tbsp. ground black pepper
  • ½ Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
  • ½ Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • ½ Tbsp. crushed oregano
  • ½ tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. 1.
    Combine spices into a bowl and blend well.
  2. 2.
    Add ground beef to skillet and press out flat.
  3. 3.
    Brown beef on one side, then flip.
  4. 4.
    Crumble beef and add 2 Tbsp. of taco seasoning, or more, to taste.