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Taco Bell Ground Beef Recipe

Craving that iconic Taco Bell ground beef recipe taste without leaving your kitchen? This copycat version captures the signature flavors with simple pantry staples and ground beef in about 20 minutes, giving restaurant-quality results with customizable spice level.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend works best
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce adds umami depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for breaking up meat
  • Measuring spoons for seasonings
  • Small bowl for mixing spice blend
  • Paper towels for draining excess fat
  • Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the spice blend.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is nicely browned.
  4. Carefully drain off about half of the accumulated fat, leaving some for flavor.
  5. Sprinkle the prepared spice blend evenly over the cooked ground beef and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant.
  6. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine water, tomato paste, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the tomato paste is fully dissolved.
  7. Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the seasoned beef and stir to combine. The liquid should begin to simmer from the residual heat.
  8. Reduce heat to medium and let the beef mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens, coating the beef without pooling.
  9. Taste the beef and adjust salt or cayenne pepper as desired. Cook for another minute to meld any additional seasonings.

Notes

Serve the seasoned beef in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, cilantro, or use it in nachos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or taco salads for variety.