Taco Bell Meat Recipe (2024)

Use this Taco Bell Meat recipe to learn how to make taco meat taste just like takeout. Then you can recreate all your favorite menu items at home!

Taco Bell Meat Recipe (1)

Salty and savory with just a touch of heat — there’s something uniquely delicious about the Taco Bell™ ground beef recipe that makes their tacos a craveable snack at any time of day.

While there are dozens (or more!) homemade taco meat recipes out there, none have ever come as close to tasting like this fast food favorite.

Once you know how to make taco meat at home, there will be no reason to wait in the drive thru again!

Taco Bell Meat Recipe (2)

Taco Bell Meat Recipe

There really isn’t anything difficult about making this taco meat recipe. Just brown the ground beef, and add a little water and Tex Mex spices.

Then, let it simmer and cook until it thickens up.

However, there’s one trick that’s extremely important when making this copycat Taco Bell meat recipe.

Be sure to break up the beef into very small pieces, so the texture is consistent. It’s just as crucial as getting the seasoning right!

Once all of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s ready to serve! Spoon it into taco bowls or shells, or set out a walking tacos buffet.

And, of course, you’ll want to use it to make some of our other Taco Bell recipes! You can make a Mexican Pizza, Beef Quesarito, or a Crunchwrap Supreme!

Taco Bell Meat Recipe (3)

Taco Bell Beef Ingredients

  • Ground Beef – I prefer to use 85% lean ground meat, but feel free to use your favorite.

    For fattier blends, you will need to drain off any excess grease before adding the spices.

  • All Purpose Flour – This ingredient isn’t typically used in an authentic taco meat recipe, but Taco Bell ground beef has a very specific texture that we’re trying to achieve.

    A little all-purpose flour helps to thicken the mixture so it all sticks together.

  • Spices – Garlic and onion powder are must in just about any savory dish!

    Cumin, chili powder, and paprika add more flavor and heat without making the meat too spicy.

  • Beef Bouillon – You’ll want to use a concentrated paste for this Taco Bell beef recipe, not the dry cubes or granules.
  • Sugar – Don’t worry — this doesn’t give the beef a sweet flavor! There is just enough to balance the flavors and prevent a sharp aftertaste.
  • Water – Liquid helps the spices distribute throughout the browned meat, locking in all of the delicious flavor.

PRO TIP

If you don’t have time to stand at the stove, you can cook ground beef in a slow cooker!

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Prep Ahead Instructions

Once you learn how to make taco meat, it becomes second nature to whip up a batch in a few minutes.

It doesn’t hurt to cook it up in advance for parties, just don’t let it sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

If you need to prep ahead, refrigerate the mixture and reheat it on the stove when it’s time to eat.

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Homemade Taco Meat FAQs

Can I use a packet of taco seasoning instead?

Personally, I like to use homemade spice blends whenever I can, simply to avoid the added preservatives and artificial colors. That said, your favorite taco seasoning blend will work just fine. Or, some stores carry the branded Taco Bell taco seasoning.

Does Taco Bell use real ground beef?

According to their website, yes. There have been rumors over the years that their signature blend includes horse meat and other fillers, but the company states that they only use 100 percent USDA premium beef.

What’s in Taco Bell taco seasoning?

Unfortunately, the ingredients are a bit of a mystery. Their website does note a “signature blend of 7 authentic seasonings and spices,”. They also say they have removed artificial flavors and colors in favor of natural alternatives.

For this Taco Bell meat recipe, I use a blend of savory and hot spices, plus a little bit of sugar — and a surprise ingredient, beef bouillon paste! This combination creates a unique flavor that (in my opinion) tastes just like the Taco Bell beef.

How do you store Taco Bell beef?

Transfer any leftover homemade taco meat to an airtight container and refrigerate. Be sure to use it within 2 to 3 days. You could also double or triple this Taco Bell meat recipe and freeze some for future meals!

Portion the seasoned ground beef into freezer-safe Ziploc bags so you can thaw just what you need in the refrigerator overnight.

Cooked taco meat keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

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Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Mexican and Tex Mex Recipes

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Taco Bell Meat Recipe (11)

Taco Bell Meat Recipe (12)

Taco Bell Meat Recipe

Donna Elick

Use my Taco Bell Taco Meat recipe to learn how to make taco meat taste just like takeout. You can recreate your favorite menu items at home!

4.89 stars from 9 reviews

Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Tex Mex

Method Stovetop

Servings 4 people

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  • Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned, using a meat chopper or potato masher to break the meat into very small pieces as it cooks.

  • Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and bring to a simmer.

    Continue cooking, breaking the meat apart as necessary, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.

  • Use as desired, and enjoy!

Donna’s Notes

  1. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days.
  1. You can substitute the spices with a packet of your favorite taco seasoning, or a packet of Taco Bell taco seasoning.
  1. Breaking down the meat into very small pieces is just as important as getting the seasoning right for this copycat recipe. The longer the meat cooks, the easier it becomes to break it down.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 258cal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 90mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 3mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Taco Bell Meat Recipe (13)

Originally published April 2022, updated and republished March 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate linkyour price will remain the sameand The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

Taco Bell Meat Recipe (14)

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Taco Bell Meat Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Taco Bell meat made out of? ›

We use 100 percent USDA premium beef in our seasoned beef. We prepare it much the same way you prepare taco meat at home: after simmering, it is drained of excess fat and pre-seasoned with our signature blend of 7 authentic seasonings and spices.

What are the ingredients in Taco Bell plant based meat? ›

Taco Bell's newest creation is instead filled with a “proprietary” vegan beef (made from pea protein and soy), plus “cool vegan blanco sauce and warm vegan nacho sauce.” The chain has long been known as one of the few big fast-food operations where vegetarians could easily eat, but this is the company's first fully ...

How to make crumbly taco meat? ›

To crumble ground beef for taco meat or any other use that requires smaller pieces, I simply use my spatula to chop down on it while it's cooking. I use the same spatula to turn the cooking beef. Once you get the hang of it, you can make the resulting ground beef chunks whatever size you want.

What percent of Taco Bell meat is real? ›

It then is slow-cooked and simmered with proprietary seasonings and spices to provide Taco Bell's signature taste and texture. Our seasoned beef recipe contains 88% quality USDA-inspected beef and 12% seasonings, spices, water and other ingredients that provide taste, texture and moisture.

Is pink slime still used? ›

In the US, the product is allowed to be used in ground beef, and it can be used in other meat products such as beef-based processed meats.

Did Taco Bell serve horse meat? ›

Fast food giant Taco Bell said Friday it has taken beef off the menu in its three UK outlets after tests on ground beef from a European supplier revealed traces of horse meat. The discovery of rogue horse meat in a wide range of beef products has thrown the European meat industry into disarray in recent weeks.

Why is Taco Bell meat so wet? ›

In case you're curious, here's our not-so-secret recipe. “We start with USDA-inspected quality beef (88%). Then add water to keep it juicy and moist (3%). Mix in Mexican spices and flavors, including salt, chili pepper, onion powder, tomato powder, sugar, garlic powder, and cocoa powder (4%).

Does Taco Bell have real ingredients? ›

All of our ingredients are certified by the Food and Drug Administration, under the GRAS provision.

Does Taco Bell use Beyond Meat? ›

On October 13, Taco Bell introduced its new Beyond Meat Carne Asada Steak Quesadilla.

What is the beef substitute at Taco Bell? ›

Inspired by Taco Bell's classic flavors, the vegan beef is made from a proprietary blend of soy and pea proteins.

What does adding water to taco meat do? ›

What you're doing when you add water is helping the cornstarch create a smooth sauce flavored with the spices. The heat then activates the cornstarch, thickening the mixture.

How do you get taco meat so fine? ›

This recipe will show you how to cook ground beef or chuck to use in other ground beef recipes. Boiling ground beef is the best way to cook it so that it comes out in small, fine crumbles. Trust me, this is the secret to all those amazing tacos and pasta sauces at your favorite restaurant!

How do you tenderize taco meat? ›

Step-by-Step Instructions. In a medium bowl, mash the beef with the baking soda and salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour. This process raises the pH level of the beef, making it more alkaline and resulting in a more tender texture.

What is grade D meat? ›

Beef given a D grade is typically used for ground beef and further processed products. However, with the D1 grade, whole muscle cuts may be used in low-cost food service enterprises. E Grades: The E grade is reserved for mature bulls or youthful bull carcasses showing pronounced masculinity.

Is Taco Bell the healthiest fast food? ›

Taco Bell

You can also turn any menu item 'Fresco-Style' which uses diced tomatoes in place of mayo-based sauces, cheese and sour cream. Doing this can make a soft taco only 160 calories or a Burrito Supreme 340 calories, which makes Taco Bell one of the healthiest fast food chains.

Is Jack in the Box Tacos real meat? ›

Jack in the Box tacos do contain meat, but it's not quite what you might expect. The taco filling is made from seasoned ground beef, which is mixed with soy protein. While this mixture might resemble meat in texture and flavor, it is important to note that it is not 100% meat.

Does Taco Bell use real eggs? ›

Cage-Free Eggs

We're proud that our eggs come from hens raised in an open environment where they can feel comfortable and display their natural behaviors.

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