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This Taco Bell meat recipe tastes just like the real deal. The texture and flavor is spot-on plus it’s SO easy to make!
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Have you ever wondered what makes Taco Bell seasoned meat taste so dang good? It’s not just the savoring seasonings and flavors, it’s also the texture. Granted, not everyone likes Taco Bell’s beef (I am sure we will get some comments below from T-Bell haters) and to you I will say, “to each their own”. I, for one, actually really like the taste and texture of Taco Bell meat. It has an almost “umami” flavor and isn’t dry and crumbly like other ground beef taco meats. You can put it in the shell and it actually stays there with the other ingredients. It’s just better.
I finally decided I needed to figure out the secret to making this seasoned beef. Mostly because I have a daughter than simply REFUSES to eat tacos unless it is the same texture as Taco Bell meat, but also because it’s delicious and it makes homemade tacos better. I love that this seasoned beef recipe has the same flavors and textures as Taco Bell meat but without all the added ingredients and preservatives. My ULTRA picky daughter approves and she will actually eat homemade tacos now. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Ingredients in Taco Bell Meat
Keep in mind, these are the ingredients for this particular recipe. While taco bell uses ingredients like maltodextrin, guanylate, dextrose, and sodium phosphates as preservatives and flavor enhancers, we don’t use any of that. Our goal was to get the taste and texture without adding all the extra, unnecessary stuff. Here’s what you need to make Taco Bell Meat at home:
- Ground Beef
- Water (or beef broth)
- Homemade taco seasoning (or any taco seasoning will work. You can even buy the Taco Bell branded taco seasoning at some stores, but honestly I like homemade best).
- Cornstarch
- Dark cocoa powder, unsweetened (Optional. This is for the color, not the flavor. If you don’t care about getting it that perfect brown color you can leave it out. You won’t be able to taste any difference)
- Salt, to taste, if needed
Additions and Substitutions
- Tomato powder – Taco bell seasoned beef does have some tomato powder in it which may give it more of a tomato-y flavor. You can also use a small amount if tomato paste (like a teaspoon) to get the same effect.
- Spices – Our homemade taco seasoning uses spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, which makes it taste really similar to Taco Bell. You can also add cayenne pepper and even a little more salt to give it a more savory taste.
- Taco Toppings – For Taco Bell regular crunchy tacos, only lettuce and cheese is included. Kick it up a notch by adding your favorite taco toppings like tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, your favorite taco sauce, and more!
- Shredded veggies – Ok I know it sounds weird but it is one of our very favorite ways to get a few more veggies in. We like adding shredded zucchini, shredded carrot, and of course a little shredded onion to the seasoned meat. Just add it when you add the meat and let it cook down. It adds a little more nutrition and you won’t even realize its there!
Getting the Texture Just Right
Mixing the water (or broth) with the ground beef mixture really is the secret to getting the right texture. It makes the meat easy to break down with a spatula. Let it simmer until cooked through and then start breaking it apart and stirring it until you reach that fine texture that Taco Bell seasoned meat it known for. If you’re still not satisfied with the texture, you can use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to further break down any remaining clumps while stirring.
Making Taco Bell Tacos
Once you get the meat down, the rest is easy! Get your favorite hard shells (or soft tortilla shells), add some meat, then top with shredded iceberg lettuce and cheese. You can also make “supreme” tacos by adding sour cream and tomatoes (without the $1.00+ up-charge). If you are using hard shell, be sure to bake or air-fry them for a few minutes to get that perfectly crispy shell.
Taco Bell Meat in the Instant Pot
You can also easily cook the Taco Bell meat in the Instant Pot. Place 2/3 cup water in the Instant Pot and then add the meat mixture. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, then allow for a 10 minute natural release. Quick release and use a metal spatula to break up the meat. Switch the Instant Pot setting to “sauté” and sauté until the meat mixture thickens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taco Bell meat is made with ground beef, water, seasoning… and a bunch of other “flavorings” and preservatives. See the image below for a full list of ingredients in Taco Bell seasoned beef:
Actually, Taco Bell meat is NOT gluten free. However, our recipe for Taco Bell meat can gluten free as long as you use GF taco seasoning (which is easy to find nowadays).
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More Taco Filling Recipes
Making a taco bar and want to add more taco meat options to the table? Try one (or all) of these taco filling options:
How to Make Taco Bell Meat
Taco Bell Meat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean 15% fat)
- 2 cups water or beef broth divided
- 5 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought), or to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened dark cocoa powder, for color (optional)
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, 1 ⅔ cups water, taco seasoning, cornstarch, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl.
- Mix by hand or with a mixer until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. It should be sticky and almost like a thick batter.
- Grease a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven with cooking oil. Add the meat mixture. Pour the remaining ⅔ cup water in, cover, and cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Using a spatula to break up the meat completely. Allow to simmer on low heat, uncovered, until the water evaporates and the meat mixture thickens, 20-30 minutes. Taste along the way and season with salt if needed.
- Serve with hard or soft taco shells, or use it to create your favorite Taco Bell item!
What is the reason/purpose for adding cornstarch to the taco meat?
(I haven’t tried this recipe yet-so I have to wait to actually rate it.)
The cornstarch helps to achieve the right texture – the Taco Bell meat sticks together and is more saucy than just ground beef with spices. Hope this helps!
Yes the liquid with the GB and not browning makes a big difference