Tacos, a beloved Mexican dish, have become a global culinary sensation. This versatile dish forms the perfect canvas for a symphony of flavors, colors, and textures. Our article features a diverse collection of taco meat recipes that will tantalize taste buds and cater to various dietary preferences. From the classic ground beef taco meat, seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, to the tantalizingly tangy carnitas, braised in a citrus marinade, our recipes offer a culinary journey that explores the depths of Mexican cuisine. For those seeking a healthier alternative, we present a lean turkey taco meat, packed with protein and bursting with flavor. Vegetarians and vegans can rejoice in our delectable portobello mushroom taco meat, marinated in a savory blend of herbs and spices, and our protein-rich black bean taco meat, brimming with bold Mexican flavors. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure an authentic taco experience, whether you prefer the traditional hard shell or the soft, pliable corn tortilla. So embark on this culinary adventure, explore our taco meat recipes, and elevate your taco night to a fiesta of flavors.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
GROUND TURKEY TACO MEAT
This recipe has fewer calories because of the ground turkey and amazing flavor! It is a little spicy, but our family enjoys it this way. Because it has so much flavor, you cannot even tell it's not ground beef. It tastes great as a topping on baked potatoes as well as tacos. Enjoy!
Provided by adnerb78
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 26m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne together in a small bowl.
- Cook turkey in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring to break up clumps, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder mixture and water. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Stir cider vinegar and brown sugar into the skillet. Simmer until flavors combine, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 150.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.8 g, Cholesterol 62.7 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 663.2 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
TACO MEAT
This recipe makes just the taco meat. You have to buy everything else, of course. Make a big batch and use for a multiple of different meals: add to bean burritos for a more hearty and tasty burrito, or add a can of beans (kidney, red, or pinto) and use for Frito® Pie, Navajo tacos, or taco salad.
Provided by Natalie
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 15m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season beef with onion powder, garlic salt, celery salt, and cumin. Pour tomato sauce over the beef, stir to coat, and simmer until thickened, slightly, about 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 188.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.8 g, Cholesterol 63.2 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 18.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 620.5 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
RESTAURANT-STYLE TACO MEAT SEASONING
This tastes very close to the taco seasoning favored by a very popular fast-food taco restaurant. You can make this at home, and let your family prepare tacos the way they like.
Provided by GVSWIFE
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 40m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine the corn flour, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Stir in the paprika, cumin, garlic salt, and sugar. Blend in the onion, bouillon, and ground red pepper, stirring until all spices are well blended.
- Crumble the ground chuck into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until browned. Remove from heat, rinse meat with hot water, and drain water and grease from beef.
- Return meat to skillet, and pour in seasoning. Stir in water. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until most of the liquid has cooked away, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 164.4 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 43.6 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 212.1 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
CROCK POT CHICKEN TACO MEAT
I adopted this recipe from the Recipezaar account, and I'm so glad that I did. This has become a regular addition to my OAMC and I have created a public cookbook filled with recipe ideas using this recipe. This is a three-ingredient wonder that's easy (5 minutes of your time), delicious and versatile.
Provided by Pamela
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 6h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Dissolve taco seasoning into chicken broth.
- Place chicken breasts in crock pot and pour chicken broth over.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- With two forks, shred the chicken meat into bite-size pieces.
- To freeze, place shredded meat into freezer bags with the juices.
- Press out all the air and seal.
LAYERED TACO DIP WITH MEAT
Layered dip with taco meat and no beans!
Provided by Drew
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; season with 1 package taco seasoning mix. Drain and discard grease. Let beef cool completely.
- Stir sour cream, cream cheese, and remaining taco seasoning mix together in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread sour cream mixture onto a baking sheet to cover. Sprinkle about half the Cheddar cheese over the sour cream layer; top evenly with the ground beef, lettuce, and remaining Cheddar cheese, respectively. Spoon salsa over the dip.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 240.1 calories, Carbohydrate 6.5 g, Cholesterol 60.3 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.1 g, Sodium 570 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
TACO MEAT LOAF
"Even your kids will enjoy this tasty meat loaf," promises Cathy Streeter of De Kalb Junction, New York. "I like to serve it with shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream," she adds. You'll like that it's just 77 cents a serving.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h45m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Press into a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1-1/2 hours or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Serve with salsa, sour cream, cheese and olives if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 122mg cholesterol, Sodium 916mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
TACO MEAT - RESTAURANT STYLE
No browned or fried ground beef here. This is cooked in water. YES, in water. Resulting in that nicely steamed, soft texture you get in most Mexican restaurants.
Provided by ReeLani
Categories Meat
Time 1h10m
Yield 1 pan
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put the ground chuck in a large pot or Dutch oven and add seasonings.
- Add just enough water to cover the meat, bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for about an hour.
- Every 15 minutes or so break up the meat with a large spoon or a potato masher so that it isn't lumpy. Be sure always to keep just enough water to cover the meat.
- After an hour add the onion and bell pepper and simmer another 20 minutes. The meat should be very finely textured at this point.
- Remove from the heat, pour into a strainer over a large bowl, and let the meat sit in the strainer for 10 or 15 minutes to make sure all grease drains away, pressing it a few times.
- After the meat has drained as much as possible, place the bowl of liquid (which you want to keep) and grease in the freezer for a while. When grease separates and hardens on top, take a spoon and remove all of it. Retain about a cup of the degreased liquid.
- Place reserved liquid in a pan and bring to a boil. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of corn starch in 1/4 cup of cold water and add to the liquid, simmering 4 or 5 more minutes. Add reserved meat into the pan and mix liquid well into meat.
- Serve in taco shells or tortillas, or mix into a taco salad or casserole.
- Leftovers freeze well.
CHICKEN TACO MEAT
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 16 to 20 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat until hot. Add the chicken in batches and cook, browning, a couple minutes per side; remove the chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon. Add the garlic and onions to the skillet and cook briefly. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin and salt to taste. Pour in the tomato sauce and 2 cups water to create a broth. Add the chicken back to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the broth is reduced by half.
- Let cool, divide among 4 freezer bags and freeze.
SEASONED TACO MEAT
I got this recipe from the restaurant where I work. It's famous in our town for the blend of seasonings, and now the secret is out! -Denise Mumm, Dixon, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 6-1/2 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add water and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until the water is evaporated, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 113 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 277mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
TACO TURKEY MEAT LOAF
After buying a supersized package of ground turkey, I made this spicy taco turkey meat loaf using what I had on hand. It's now become a family favorite! I serve it for tailgating parties and it's delicious the next day for sandwiches. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h35m
Yield 2 loaves (8 servings each).
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Add turkey; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into two 7-1/2 x 4-1/2-in. loaves. Place in a greased shallow baking pan., Bake 1 hour. Mix together topping ingredients; spread over loaves. Bake until a thermometer reads 165°, 10-15 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing., Freeze option: Bake meat loaves without sauce. Securely wrap and freeze cooled meat loaves in foil. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Unwrap meat loaves and place in a greased shallow baking pan. Prepare topping as directed; spread over meat loaves. Reheat meat loaf in a preheated 350° oven until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 211 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 86mg cholesterol, Sodium 456mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
TACO MEAT SEASONING
In Forest City, Iowa, Margaret Peterson shares this tongue-tingling combination of savory ground beef and zippy seasonings. Turn a big batch of this mixture into a taco supper when serving plenty of hungry guests. Or use a portion to feed your family, saving the extra meat for the following dishes.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 35m
Yield 8 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the next 15 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. , Serve in taco shells with shredded cheese and salsa.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 98 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 263mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
TACO TICO MEAT RECIPE - (4/5)
Provided by á-3757
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place meat in skillet with water. Keep stirring until meat if finely broken up. Add the rest of the ingredients and brown the meat. As you simmer, the meat will get soupy and gooey. Keep simmering, uncovered until the meat is nice and thick. Use for tacos, nachos or burritos.
FAMILY FAVORITE TACO MEAT LOAF
Our children think there are three basic food groups-pizza, tacos and burgers! They like to doctor up slices of this specially seasoned meat loaf with their favorite taco toppings. -Diane Essinger, Findlay, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 8h10m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Pat into a 3-qt. slow cooker. , Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Top with sour cream, salsa, cheese, lettuce and olives if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 100mg cholesterol, Sodium 414mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
SLOW-COOKED TACO MEAT LOAF
This meat loaf is a hit with my family. My three sons eat two pieces each, which is incredible, considering that they are very picky toddlers. This Southwest-style meat loaf is topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. -Lacey Kirsch, Thornton, Colorado
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 3h20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cut four 20x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 3-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray. , In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a round loaf. Place meat loaf in the center of the strips. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. , Combine the ketchup, brown sugar and hot sauce; pour over meat loaf during the last hour of cooking. Let stand for 10 minutes. Using foil strips as handles, remove the meat loaf to a platter.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 138mg cholesterol, Sodium 936mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 27g protein.
PERFECTLY SEASONED TACO MEAT
Never mind buying those little EXPENSIVE packets of taco seasonings ever again. You have all the herbs on your shelf (I hope!) to make PERFECTLY seasoned taco meat every time!
Provided by Debber
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 15m
Yield 8-10 tacos, 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Saute meat (and onion if using fresh); drain fat if necessary; turn heat to low.
- Sprinkle dried onion, herbs and seasonings over the meat; stir to mix well.
- Add water; stirring again.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, until most of the water has been absorbed; remove lid and let dry; remove from heat.
- USES: Tacos, burritoes, enchiladas, taco salad, sloppy taco joes, nachoes, taco dip.
- BRILLIANT IDEA: Pour dried onion flakes, seasonings and herbs into a pile on a small square of foil. Close tightly, store in a zippered plastic baggie. Use as you would a store-bought packet!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 129.5, Fat 8.6, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 38.6, Sodium 192.3, Carbohydrate 1.7, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.5, Protein 10.8
VEGETARIAN LENTIL TACO 'MEAT FILLING' SUBSTITUTE (CROCK POT)
This taco filling is a healthier alternative to the meat version. I found this recipe on a "runners" message board where the posters were raving how much this tasted as good as a meat filling. I actually like it better than the fillings made with ground beef. It tastes great in taco shells on taco salads and anywhere you'd normally use a meat taco filling.
Provided by bdankanich
Categories Lentil
Time 8h10m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Put everything in the crock pot and cook on high for 8-12 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed.
- use as you would a meat taco filling.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 74.6, Fat 0.8, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 143.6, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 1.6, Protein 4.8
SPICY TACO MEAT
My husband and I love Tex-Mex food with all the fixings. Cooking the meat in the slow cooker makes prepping the toppings a breeze. We love to serve this at parties, with the filling in the slow cooker to stay warm and the various toppings in bowls so the guests can build their own! -Rebecca Yankovich, Springfield, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 6h20m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Sprinkle roast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown meat. Transfer meat to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Add beer to skillet, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan; pour over meat. In a large bowl, combine jalapenos, onion, garlic powder and chili powder; pour over meat. Cook, covered, on low until tender, 6-8 hours., Remove roast; shred with 2 forks. Strain cooking juices. Reserve vegetables and 2 cups juices; discard remaining juices. Skim fat from reserved juices. Return beef and reserved vegetables and cooking juices to slow cooker; heat through. If desired, serve with optional ingredients.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 307 calories, Fat 21g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 829mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 31g protein.
TACO MEAT LOAVES
We live in Texas and love the Southwest style of cooking. This taco meat loaf recipe spices up plain ol' meat loaf! -Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h25m
Yield 2 meat loaves (6 servings each).
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, 1/2 cup picante sauce, beans, corn, onion, olives, bread crumbs, taco seasoning, cumin and chili powder. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. , Pat into two ungreased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. , Spoon remaining picante sauce over each meat loaf; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional picante sauce if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 354 calories, Fat 18g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 112mg cholesterol, Sodium 1001mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
WALNUT TACO MEAT
You don't need a frying pan for this taco meat! A food processor works just fine! Its rich, full of flavor, and super fast to whip up.
Provided by planthappymamma
Categories Nuts
Time 5m
Yield 1 cup, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Put ingredients in a food processor.
- Pulse until course and crumbly. Don't pulse for too long, or else you'll end up with butter!
CARNE PICADA TACO MEAT
This dish actually makes its own taco sauce.You can drain the meat and use the sauce on tacos for an added treat or just cook the meat until the sauce reduces.Either way the tacos are AWESOME.
Provided by Becky Hudgins
Categories Tacos & Burritos
Time 7h10m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Pat beef dry with paper towels. Mix flour, chili powder, salt, pepper and cumin; set aside.
- 2. Heat oil in heavy pan. Sear meat over medium-high heat in batches until browned.
- 3. Stir in flour blend and tomatoes.
- 4. Transfer beef and tomato mixture to crock pot Cook for 2 hours on high.Lower heat to low and cook an additional 4 hours or when meat is tender.
Tips:
- Choose the right ground beef: For the best flavor, use ground beef that is at least 80% lean.
- Brown the beef properly: Cook the beef over medium-high heat until it is browned all the way through. This will help to develop the flavor of the meat.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough and dry. Cook it just until it is browned all the way through.
- Season the beef well: Use a variety of seasonings to flavor the beef. Some good options include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
- Use a variety of toppings: There are endless possibilities when it comes to taco toppings. Some popular choices include shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and salsa.
Conclusion:
Taco meat is a versatile and delicious dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is a great way to use up leftover ground beef, and it can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty and satisfying dish for a party, taco meat is a great option.
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