Taco Bell’s seasoned beef is known for its rich, flavorful, and slightly saucy texture that makes tacos, burritos, and nachos irresistible. This copycat recipe recreates that signature taste using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Just Like the Real Thing – This recipe captures the essence of Taco Bell’s famous seasoned beef.
- Budget-Friendly – Making it at home is much cheaper than ordering takeout.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a fast meal.
- No Fillers – Unlike fast food versions, you control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Water
- Tomato paste
- Cornstarch
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sugar
- Beef bouillon powder
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into fine crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Mix Seasoning – In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices, cornstarch, and beef bouillon powder.
- Add Tomato Paste & Water – Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and water. Mix well to create a saucy texture.
- Season the Beef – Sprinkle the prepared spice mix over the beef and stir until evenly coated.
- Simmer – Reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Serve – Use in tacos, burritos, nachos, or any of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version – Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Mild Version – Reduce chili powder and smoked paprika for a less intense flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Use a low-carb thickener instead of cornstarch.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Swap beef for lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) with the same seasonings.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
How do I get the beef texture just like Taco Bell?
Use a potato masher or food processor after browning to break the meat into smaller crumbles.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but it may require extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce or omit it, then yes.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen after sitting, so it’s great for meal prep.
What type of beef works best?
An 80/20 blend offers the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
How can I make it saucier?
Add a little extra water and tomato paste for a more saucy consistency.
Does Taco Bell really use oats in their meat?
Taco Bell uses a modified food starch, but this recipe skips fillers for pure meat flavor.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, but homemade seasoning provides the best authentic taste.
What’s the best way to serve this meat?
Use it in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or even over rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just scale up the ingredients accordingly and cook in a larger skillet.
Conclusion
This copycat Taco Bell meat recipe brings all the flavor of the fast-food favorite right to your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Try it in tacos, burritos, or even over nachos for a delicious homemade twist on a fast-food classic.
PrintTaco Bell Meat
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This copycat Taco Bell meat recipe is packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors and has that classic finely ground texture. Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami and keeps it juicy)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
Taco Bell Seasoning Blend:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1/4 tsp sugar (balances flavors)
Instructions
Cook the Beef
- In a large non-stick skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into fine crumbles with a spatula.
- Once lightly browned, drain excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Season the Meat
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef (this helps thicken the sauce).
- Add the taco seasoning mix, tomato paste, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour in ½ cup water, stirring well to combine.
3️⃣ Simmer for Flavor
- Reduce heat to low and let the beef simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.
- If needed, add a splash of water to keep it moist.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from heat and serve in tacos, burritos, or nachos.
Notes
- Authentic Texture Tip: Use a potato masher or food processor to break the beef into fine crumbles like Taco Bell’s!
- Want More Flavor? Let the beef sit for 10 minutes after cooking before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
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