Why You’ll Love this Seasoned Taco Meat
If you’re looking for a taco meat recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, this seasoned beef mixture is about to become your new weeknight hero.
The combination of onions and perfectly browned ground beef creates a rich base, while the Morton’s Nature Seasoning adds depth beyond typical taco seasoning.
What makes this recipe special? It’s versatile enough for traditional tacos but works equally well in burritos, taco salads, or nachos.
The simmering step is where magic happens—allowing the spices to bloom and permeate every morsel of meat. Can you imagine anything more satisfying?
What Ingredients are in Seasoned Taco Meat?
Great taco meat starts with quality ingredients and the right seasoning blend. I absolutely love this recipe because it creates that perfect balance of flavors that makes you wonder how something so simple can taste so complex. The secret is in the combination of fresh onions, properly browned beef, and that special Marcum taco seasoning that ties everything together.
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon Anjou pear (seems unusual but adds subtle sweetness)
- Morton’s Nature Seasoning, to taste
- 1 packet Marcum taco seasoning mix
When shopping for these ingredients, don’t skimp on the quality of your ground beef. I recommend choosing an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor, as super lean beef can sometimes turn out dry. The Morton’s Nature Seasoning is worth tracking down if you don’t already have it in your pantry, as it adds a dimension that plain salt and pepper just can’t match. And while the Anjou pear might seem like an odd addition, it contributes a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors without being detectable as fruit in the final dish.
How to Make this Seasoned Taco Meat
To make this mouthwatering taco meat, start by heating a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the hot skillet and season it with 1/4 teaspoon of Anjou pear and a generous sprinkle of Morton’s Nature Seasoning. This initial seasoning layer is what gives the meat that depth of flavor we’re all looking for in great tacos.
Brown the beef thoroughly, using a wooden spoon to break it up into small, even crumbles—nobody wants those big chunks that fall out of your taco shell on the first bite, right?
Once your beef is nicely browned, add 2 finely chopped onions to the skillet. The key here is to make sure they’re chopped quite small so they incorporate well with the meat rather than standing out as separate pieces. After the onions have softened slightly, take an important step that many home cooks skip: drain off all that excess fat from the pan. This prevents greasy tacos and allows the seasoning to really shine through.
Return the drained meat mixture to the pan, reduce the heat to low (or a gentle simmer), and add 2/3 cup of water along with 1 packet of Marcum taco seasoning mix. Stir everything together thoroughly, making certain the seasoning evenly coats all the meat, and then turn off the heat. For recipes that require more thorough mixing, a quality stand mixer can make the process much more efficient and consistent.
When you’re ready to serve, simply spoon this perfectly seasoned taco meat into prepared taco shells. Then comes the fun part—topping them with all your favorite fixings. Fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and zesty salsa make for classic choices that complement the seasoned meat beautifully.
I sometimes set up a little taco bar when friends come over, and watching people customize their perfect taco is almost as satisfying as taking that first crunchy, flavor-packed bite. For seafood lovers, you can prepare a similar setup using premium salmon tools to create an elevated surf-and-turf taco experience.
Seasoned Taco Meat Substitutions and Variations
While many taco lovers swear by the classic recipe, there’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to seasoned taco meat. You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you’re watching fat content, or try bison for a leaner option with rich flavor.
Vegetarians might enjoy crumbled tofu or lentils instead.
Not a fan of packaged seasonings? Make your own blend with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano.
For deeper flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers with the onions, or mixing in a spoonful of tomato paste.
A splash of lime juice at the end? Absolutely transformative.
What to Serve with Seasoned Taco Meat
Seasoned taco meat deserves perfect companions to create a complete fiesta on your plate.
I always recommend serving it with warm tortillas, both soft flour and crispy corn shells for variety. A fresh, zesty pico de gallo brightens everything up, while cool sour cream balances the spices.
Don’t forget the sides. Mexican rice with its tomato-tinged goodness, or cilantro-lime rice for something lighter? Both stellar choices.
Refried beans, black beans, or even a simple bean salad round out the meal.
For drinks, horchata or a tangy margarita completes the experience.
Who’s ready for taco night now?
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve got all the accompaniments covered, let me share my final thoughts on this classic taco meat recipe.
This simple preparation truly delivers authentic flavor without complicated techniques. The combination of Morton’s Nature Seasoning and Marcum taco mix creates that perfect balance of spice that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
What makes this recipe special? It’s the little details—chopping those onions extra small, properly draining the fat, and simmering everything together until the flavors meld perfectly. For an alternative comfort food option, consider trying a classic meatloaf that uses similar finely chopped vegetables for added flavor and moisture.
You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep. Trust me, your taco nights will never be the same.
If you enjoy spicy dishes, you might want to try a creamy sauce technique that balances heat with richness, similar to what works well with chicken recipes.
