Try this Easy Taco Meat recipe, with veggies right in the mix, for a super quick dinner to share with the kids. You can use it tucked inside corn or flour tortillas, in a burrito bowl, or served as a finger food on a toddler plate.
I love adding vegetables to all sorts of recipes and this one for Easy Taco Meat has three veggies right in the mix to add flavor, nutrients, and yumminess…without impacting the classic flavor or texture.
I love this because the method is easy and it’s a simple way to increase the nutrition in a quick recipe. The taco meat is tender and moist, which makes it easy for little kids to chew and swallow, and yet it’s also flavorful enough for us adults.
You can use this Easy Taco Meat in tacos, of course, but it’s also a great component in a burrito bowl, spread over Baked Sheet Pan Nachos, or as a finger food on a baby or toddler plate.
(You may also like more of my easy taco recipes including Ground Turkey Tacos, Salsa Chicken Tacos, and Quick Fish Stick Tacos.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Easy Taco Meat so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Ground beef: You can use whichever type of ground beef you prefer in this recipe. I usually opt for a leaner option with less fat content, but it’s a flexible recipe.
- Onion: You can use white or yellow onion in this recipe to add depth of flavor to the beef taco meat.
- Bell pepper: I like to add bell pepper to the base of the taco meat. I have found that orange and red blend in color-wise with the color of the beef. If that doesn’t matter to you, you can use any color of sweet bell pepper.
- Garlic: You can mince fresh garlic or use jarred minced garlic to reduce the chopping needed.
- Tomato paste: Adding tomato paste to the taco meat ensures it has plenty of flavor.
- Cumin, oregano, and salt: A combination of these spices adds the classic taco meat flavor. You can use a package of taco seasoning, though it’s easy (and usually has less sodium) to simply add a mix of spices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Easy Taco Meat so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Add the vegetables to the bowl of a food processor. Grind.
Step 2. Drain the vegetables in a colander to remove excess liquid.
Step 3. Saute the vegetables to soften, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 4. Add the remaining ingredients and cook through. Serve with desired taco elements and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
You can try to clip the base with a chip clip or let them eat the components side-by-side on a plate.
I like to use cumin, chili powder, and a little salt. You can also add oregano, garlic powder, or onion powder. You can also use a package of taco seasoning if you want to make it easy, too.
How to Store
Store leftover Easy Taco Meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm through to reheat and serve.
Best Tips for Success
- Use orange or red bell pepper to blend a vegetable into the color of the meat.
- Use the mixture of spices I have listed in the recipe or a package of taco seasoning as you like.
- Serve with taco-size tortillas to make tacos or use in burrito bowls.
- Add toppings such as sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, or other desired taco toppings.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Easy Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the pepper, onion, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse, then grind to make a mostly smooth mixture.
- Pour into a colander to remove as much liquid as you can. (This ensures the cooking time is as fast as possible.)
- Warm the oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the pepper mixture and stir. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the beef, tomato paste, and spices. Stir to break up and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the beef is browned and the vegetables are totally soft.
- Serve in or with warm tortillas with desired taco toppings or use as a burrito filling paired with rice.
Equipment
- Greenpan Nonstick Pan
Notes
- Store leftover Easy Taco Meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm through to reheat and serve.
- Use orange or red bell pepper to blend a vegetable into the color of the meat.
- Use the mixture of spices I have listed in the recipe or a package of taco seasoning as you like.
- Serve with taco-size tortillas to make tacos, or use in burrito bowls.
- Add toppings such as sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, or other desired taco toppings.
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