Description
Bold, customizable taco meat with ground beef, aromatics, and spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or baked dishes. Ready in 30 minutes with pantry staples.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 large onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp sugar (optional)
Optional: 1/4 tsp cocoa powder (for depth), 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Optional: lemon juice (for sodium reduction)
Instructions
Dice onion, mince garlic, and measure seasonings.
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Drain fat if needed.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté 3-4 minutes until softened.
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and sugar. Cook 2 minutes to bloom flavors.
Stir in tomatoes, water, and optional sugar. Simmer 3 minutes, breaking up clumps.
Remove from heat. Add cheese (if using) and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat beef dry before cooking for better browning.
Work in batches if overcrowded in the skillet.
Add cocoa powder (1/4 tsp) for deeper flavor.
Use lemon juice to reduce sodium.
Let resting time preserve juices and enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 2500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg