Seasoned Ground Beef Taco Meat

1. 1
   prep

   Chop the onion, garlic, and cilantro. Cut the lime into wedges.

   Finely chop one medium onion and mince 4 garlic cloves. Chop about 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro for garnish. Cut the lime into 4 wedges for serving.

2. 2
   saute · ~4 min

   Sauté the onion until softened.

   1.Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   2.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

   3.Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. 3
   fry · ~7 min

   Brown the ground beef.

   1.Add 500g ground beef to the skillet.

   2.Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

   3.Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes.

   4.Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed.

   TIPUse 85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness without being greasy.
4. 4
   mix · ~1 min

   Add the seasonings and tomato paste.

   1.Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and stir into the meat.

   2.Sprinkle in 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 pinch red chili powder, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and 1 pinch black pepper.

   3.Stir until the meat is evenly coated and the spices are fragrant, about 1 minute.

   TIPToasting the spices in the hot meat for a minute deepens their flavor before adding liquid.
5. 5
   simmer · ~6 min

   Simmer with water until saucy.

   1.Pour in 0.5 cup water and stir to combine.

   2.Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low.

   3.Simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the meat is juicy but not soupy.
6. 6
   garnish

   Finish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

   Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the taco meat. Serve immediately in warm tortillas or taco shells with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

   TIPAlways finish with a squeeze of fresh lime — the acidity brightens the rich, savory meat.

Cuisines we love