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A very simple health swap to make is to ditch those packets of spices you see on the shelves of the grocery store that people buy to cut down on the time it takes to make things like gravies, soups, dips, and, yes, taco meat. I haven’t purchased store bought taco seasoning in probably about a decade, and for good reason. The list of ingredients is usually pretty horrifying. That coupled with the fact that it is so incredibly easy to make our own! All you need is a well stocked spice drawer which you may already have if you do some cooking at home.

A few weeks back I brought you Instant Pot Shredded Chicken – 3 Ways, a recipe I love and make frequently because it cooks up a whole bunch of healthy protein super fast. I’m doing the same thing here with classic Taco Meat! Having a few servings of healthy protein in the fridge ready to eat at any time really helps me to keep eating healthy day in and day out. Besides the obvious (tacos), I also use this protein in salads, omelets, egg scrambles, mixed with rice, with vegetables on the side, you name it, I probably eat it that way!

Do you have any fun plans for Cinco de Mayo? I know this day usually means going out for Mexican food and margaritas, but for some it will look a little bit different this year. I don’t go out for Cinco de Mayo ever on account of the fact that I’m forever trying to be where the people AREN’T even when there isn’t a widely publicized virus on the loose, so my plans for this year look about the same as usual. I’ll be feeding Mike some Taco Meat leftovers and we’ll share an avocado and some chips and salsa after work and we’ll call it a day. Absolutely thrilling lives we lead over here.

thehungryhungryhiker

Taco Meat

Ditch the store-bought seasoning packets that are filled with preservatives – making your own taco seasoning couldn't be simpler!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • ½ tbsp onion powder
  • ½ tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tbsp oregano
  • ½ tbsp paprika

Method
 

  1. Place a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. When hot, add in the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the beef up into smaller chunks. Season with the sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Stir occasionally, breaking up into smaller pieces until browned completely.
  2. While the ground beef cooks, add all of the remaining ingredients to a small bowl and gently stir to combine.
  3. When the ground beef has browned completely, remove from heat and drain out some fat. I like to leave 3-4 tablespoons in the pan, but you could leave it all or take it all out.
  4. Add all of the spices to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to coat the meat evenly. Serve hot and enjoy!