This easy taco seasoning is healthy and quick to mix together and turns any ground meat into a delicious taco meat! Either as a taco salad, in a casserole, or traditional style wrapped in a tortilla, this homemade real food seasoning makes Mexican night in your house a breeze!
For countless years I have been making ground beef (or chicken or turkey) tacos with these seasonings. It is fuss free and so easy to whip up for a quick weeknight meal. It also happens to be one of my family’s very favorite meals…..ever.
I have limited the ingredients so that I didn’t use any partial cans of anything, or have to chop ANYTHING…and that way I can always rely on my dry spices I always have on hand (hello easy camping meal!). So while I have fun sometimes adding additional things…this is my basic base recipe that is good all by its lonesome self!
Creative adaptations for homemade taco seasoning
- Achiote or ground annatto is a great traditional spice addition! It is also traditionally used a seasoning in el pastor taco meat and is a great natural orange-yellow food coloring!
- Either a chopped tomato, 1/2 cup tomato sauce and couple tablespoons tomato paste are all fun umami-building additions!
- Sauté some chopped or diced onion in a bit of avocado oil first
- Finely diced red bell pepper is a tasty addition too, sauté in some avocado oil before adding the ground meat.
- Like spice? Throw 1/4 teaspoon (or more) of cayenne in to the mix!
- Smoked paprika or some pureed chipotles en adobo add a lovely smoky flavor. Just be careful with the chipotle and tender spice averse pallets…they can pack a spicy punch!
Can I make my homemade taco meat ahead of time?
Yes!
I like to make a double batch and either freeze half, or use the rest in our family favorite oven baked gluten free chimchangas!
I just re purpose my beans, rice, and taco meat for a super quick dinner that everyone loves and looks forward to!
Whole30 Taco Salads – Or Keto and Low Carb Too!
This is probably one of my very favorite meals to whip up that is easily adaptable to my low-carb and keto eating. I make this chipotle vinaigrette, or any avocado dressing to serve over a bed of salad with my taco meat! And if I am feeling super lazy, I mix some salsa with sour cream for my dressing!
And if you are doing a Whole30, just stay away from the cheese! Kids get all the stuff THEY want, and I don’t make anything special for anyone!
You could also check out these low carb mexican stuffed peppers!
Additional Healthy Mexican Food Ideas
- Instant Pot Homestyle Pinto Beans
- Carnitas (Instant Pot or not)
- Quick Mexican Eggs
- Cilantro Lime Chicken @Cassidy’s Craveable Creations
- Chipotle Chicken Street Corn Salad @Get Inspired Everyday
Easy Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe:
If you make this seasoning, I want to hear about it!! Please leave a comment below!
Easy Ground Beef Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef or any ground meat. I prefer 80-85% lean. The fat gives excellent flavor
Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon chili powder I use a salt free seasoning called Fiesta, may use less if yours is spicy
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat a large 12" skillet (I exclusively use my Lodge cast iron skillet for everything!), over medium heat.
- Add your ground meat, breaking it up with a sturdy spatula.
- When the meat is partially cooked, add all of the seasonings. Continuing to cook and break the meat up for another few minutes until cooked through. Serve.
Nutrition
I used to buy the taco seasoning in a package. Not any longer. Not only is this recipe “just like the package”, it costs so much less. Our family loves food from Mexico, so this is one I go to for those quick put-together meals on a busy night. Try it, you will like it if this if Mexican flair is your pallet.
I love the simplicity of your recipe! It’s so much easier than the last batch of taco seasoning I just mixed up!
Love how simple this blend is! I have all of the ingredients in the pantry already, so this recipe is going down tonight 🙂 I assume it will work with chicken as well.
A simple and flavorful spice mix that helps get dinner on the table quickly is just what every mom needs. Great recipe!
I need to remember to double a batch and freeze half. So smart. Love the flavors!
My family loves this meat! It’s a great classic to repeat. We put it on lettuce for a big salad or inside lettuce leaves for paleo tacos. Thank you! It’s so nice to know the right ratios with spices and herbs.
You can NEVER have too much prepped taco meat on hand, am I right?! I like to keep it in single-serve portions in the freezer days when I need a protein-rich meal ASAP
Wow! They look so delicious! I can taste all the yummy flavor from here.
Love how easy this is.
I can’t wait to try this – so much better than the store bought versions with hidden additives!! Yum!
This is so simple and easy and doesn’t skimp on the garlic so basically I love it!
I love the idea of making this ahead of time! I’m going to add a little chipotle in adobo.
Ground beef tacos always remind me of my childhood because they were my favorite, and I can’t wait to try this! I love how simple but flavorful this is.
We eat something taco every single week and your homemade seasoning looks so good!
I’ve always wondered what was in taco seasoning! Pleasantly surprised to see oregano, I love it!
This is so easy & I really should be making my own taco seasoning as the healthy pre-packaged kind is so pricy. Thanks 🙂
Such a flavourful recipe, and best of all tasty meals can be quick and easy! I am loving it.
I love all of the addition options – I’m going to try the peppers and tomatoes next time I make it – sounds so good! Thanks!
This sounds so easy! I’m definitely adding it to the menu. 🙂