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

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Taco Bell Meat Recipe (14)

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Taco Bell Meat Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the Taco Bell meat made from? ›

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 is the other 12% in Taco Bell meat? ›

For example, when the site explains modified corn starch, which is among “the other 12 percent,” it says that it's derived from corn. Then it goes onto explain what corn is — “a food staple in Mexican culture as well as many others.” They use it “as a thickener and to maintain moisture in our seasoned beef.”

Does Taco Bell meat have filler? ›

Does Taco Bell put fillers in their beef? No, it's 88% beef by volume, then water, salt, spices, oatmeal starches, and an emulsifier to keep the meat from clumping together while cooking. There aren't many things that go into it.

What percent of Taco Bell meat is actually meat? ›

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.

Was there horse meat in Taco Bell? ›

The British Food Standards Agency said Taco Bell's products contained more than 1% (pdf) horse meat. “We apologize to our customers and take this matter very seriously as food quality is our highest priority,” a spokesman for the chain said.

What is the thickening agent for taco meat? ›

A typical 12-serving taco seasoning mix recipe uses about 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch. If you want to skip the cornstarch in your homemade seasoning to use it for other purposes, just sprinkle ⅓ to ½ teaspoon of cornstarch per pound of browned, spiced meat before adding ¾ cup of water and heat until thickened.

Why is my taco meat red? ›

Information. Oxygen from the air reacts with meat pigments to form a bright red color which is usually seen on the surface of meat purchased in the supermarket. The pigment responsible for the red color in meat is oxymyoglobin, a substance found in all warm-blooded animals. Fresh cut meat is purplish in color.

What is the most unhealthiest food at Taco Bell? ›

If you want to keep your Taco Bell order as healthy as possible, registered dietitian Yelena Wheeler, RDN, says to steer clear of the steak grilled cheese burrito, which she says is the absolute least healthiest item on the menu.

What is in pink slime? ›

Then they are put through a centrifuge to separate the fat tissue from the muscle tissue. The muscle tissue is sterilized with ammonia (which is commonly used in food production and safe in small amounts) and the resulting product is called “lean finely textured beef,” or pink slime. Or… err… “ground beef.”

Does Taco Bell have fake meat options? ›

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 ...

What is Taco Bell's meat seasoned with? ›

Taco Bell Beef Ingredients

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.

Does Taco Bell still use pink slime? ›

Chef Jamie Oliver injects "pink slime" into the lexicon in an episode of his TV show, Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, blasting its use as a food additive. A USDA microbiologist is credited with coining the term. McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Burger King announce they no longer use pink slime in their menu items.

What is the lawsuit against Taco Bell? ›

Taco Bell is at the center of a class action lawsuit alleging that the fast food chain isn't be honest with its ads. Customers in New York are accusing Taco Bell of misrepresenting the amount of meat and beans in several menu items.

Is Taco Bell using lab grown meat? ›

Instead of killing a live animal, cells are harvested from one to grow the meat. Royal's theory was debunked by PolitiFact earlier this year after a woman on Instagram spread unfounded claims that popular fast-food restaurants, including KFC, Taco Bell, and Wendy's, were using lab-grown meat.

Is Taco Bell healthier than McDonald's? ›

Furthermore, around 60% of Taco Bell meals fall between 220 and 410 calories from fat whereas 60% of McDonalds meals fall between 420 and 650 calories from fat. Additionally, around 77% of Taco Bell meals have less than 400 calories from fat whereas only around 18% of meals at McDonalds have the same quality.

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