Smoky Ground Beef Taco Filling
⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes
This is the easiest way to make taco night feel extra delicious. We’re skipping the seasoning packet but keeping all the flavor: smoky chipotle, garlic, tomato paste, and warm ground cumin give this beef a rich, bold profile — finished with a little lime for brightness. It’s saucy, savory, and seriously satisfying.
A bowl of smoky ground beef taco meat, hot and ready for tortillas, bowls, or nachos.
Taco meat like this was on weekly rotation in my house growing up — quick, simple, and so easy to love. This upgraded version stays just as fast but tastes homemade in the best way. There’s no chopping besides one onion, and you can freeze the leftovers for next week’s burrito bowl. Win-win.
Use it for tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, or just eat it out of the pan (no shame).
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~320
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped (plus 1 tsp adobo sauce)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Fresh cracked black pepper
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 tbsp water or broth
Optional: chopped cilantro, pickled onions, queso fresco for topping
Steps
Step 1
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in a drizzle of oil until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Add the garlic, tomato paste, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce. Cook for 1 minute to wake up the flavors.
Step 3
Add ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 7–9 minutes. Let it get crispy in a few spots for flavor.
Step 4
Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add water or broth to loosen, and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Step 5
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot in tacos, bowls, or any way you like.
Make it your own!
🧄 Add garlic powder if you’re out of fresh cloves — easy sub!
🧀 Mix in shredded cheese for a melty, taco-night vibe.
🥬 Serve with shredded cabbage or slaw for extra crunch.
🌶️ Add more chipotle or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
🍚 Spoon it over rice with beans and avocado for a burrito bowl.
Try it with…
Did you make this recipe?
Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.
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