Description
Sizzling Mexican-style taco meat emerges as a quick weeknight dinner solution packed with robust flavors. Home cooks can prepare this spicy protein-rich dish in less than 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, lean (80/20)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) water
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics by finely dicing onions and crushing garlic cloves to release their robust flavors.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- Gently sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to crumble and distribute meat evenly.
- Cook meat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it transforms from pink to a rich, brown color.
- Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining fat from the skillet.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat, thoroughly mixing to ensure each morsel is coated with zesty spices.
- Incorporate water, reducing heat to low, and allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
- Remove from heat and let the taco meat rest for a moment to absorb final flavors before serving.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning blend by mixing your own spices for a personalized flavor profile that reduces sodium and eliminates preservatives.
- Make the recipe leaner by choosing ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, which cuts down on fat content while maintaining delicious taco taste.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process, ensuring quick and efficient meal preparation during busy weeknights.
- Store leftover taco meat in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, creating versatile protein for salads, nachos, or quick lunch bowls.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg