Easy Recipe Basics Series: Simple Ground Taco Meat for Meal Prep

Having a batch of taco meat ready to go is one of those kitchen staples that makes weeknight meals come together super quickly! This easy recipe is made with beef, but I'm sure it would taste just as good with ground turkey. It can be used in a variety of recipes like tacos, burrito bowls, salads, stuffed peppers, and more! I like to use it in the "viral" sweet potato + cottage cheese bowl (pictured below). You can use your favorite packaged taco seasoning or mix up your own seasoning with the recipe below. Taco meat freezes well, so it's great to make a big batch at once and freeze some for later.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef

• 2-3 tablespoons packaged taco seasoning or homemade (see recipe below)

• ½ cup water

  
  

Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning (makes about 3 tablespoons)

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. Cook the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add seasoning and water: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat. Add ½ cup of water and stir until everything is well coated.

3. Simmer: Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated.

4. Cool and store: Let cool before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bags. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

   
   

Meal Prep Ideas

Use your taco meat throughout the week in:

• Tacos or lettuce wraps

• Burrito bowls with rice, beans, and veggies

• Stuffed sweet potatoes or peppers

• Taco salads

• Sweet potato, cottage cheese + avocado bowls (pictured above)

  • Add 1/2 cup taco meat, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup air-fried sweet potatoes, and 1/2 an avocado chopped up. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a bit of crushed red pepper for heat if you like!