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

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 (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Taco Bell meat? ›

In case you're curious, here's our not-so-secret recipe. “We start with USDA-inspected quality beef (88%). Then add water to keep it juicy and moist (3%). Mix in Mexican spices and flavors, including salt, chili pepper, onion powder, tomato powder, sugar, garlic powder, and cocoa powder (4%).

How do taco Bells make their meat? ›

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. It is then packaged with added water to lock in the flavor and for added moisture, and then shipped to our restaurants.

What does Taco Bell put in their ground beef? ›

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.

How much of Taco Bell meat is filler? ›

The "taco meat filling" as it's written on their containers has only 36 percent real beef; the rest is a combination of chemicals and odd-ball ingredients like 'cocoa powder'. The USDA defines "meat taco filling" as having at least 40 percent fresh meat.

What are the ingredients in Taco Bell plant based meat? ›

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 ...

Does Taco Bell meat have horse meat in it? ›

Taco Bell is the latest restaurant chain to acknowledge that its food has been adulterated with horse meat, yanking a variety of ground beef products from its three British outlets and issuing an apology to its patrons Friday.In a statement, Taco Bell said, "our domestic restaurants have not been, and will not be, ...

Where does Taco Bell get their ingredients? ›

Where do your ingredients come from? We buy many of our ingredients for our restaurants from the same brands that you see in the grocery store and your kitchen: for example, lettuce from Taylor Farms, tortillas from Mission, Hass avocados and poultry from Tyson.

Is Taco Bell healthier than McDonald's? ›

That's right, Taco Bell edges out McDonald's in the health department. But why, you ask? Well, it all comes down to the menu options and nutritional content. Taco Bell offers a variety of items that are lower in calories, fat, and even include vegetarian options.

What is in Taco Bell mystery meat? ›

Many of them are items you might use at home such as salt, peppers, and spices. Ingredients like oats and sodium phosphates help make sure the texture is right." The company also noted it uses only USDA-inspected, "100 percent premium real beef" and no monosodium glutamate, or MSG, which is a flavor enhancer.

Does Taco Bell have fake meat options? ›

The Vegan Crunchwrap featured cow-free beef made from a proprietary blend of soy and pea protein inspired by the chain's classic flavors. Taco Bell also tested vegan carne asada steak in collaboration with Beyond Meat and a meat-free Naked Chicken Chalupa shell.

What is meat filler made of? ›

"Pink slime" refers to processed lean beef trimmings, and is a cheap filler used to "beef up" many meat products. It is made by salvaging the meat that gets trimmed off cuts of beef along with fat.

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Acidity and fresh toppings provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of taco meat, cheese, and sour cream, and a bit of fresh lime juice squeezed over the top goes a long way.

Does Taco Bell put wheat in their meat? ›

All of the meat at Taco Bell is made without gluten ingredients, but it isn't certified gluten-free. Because all Taco Bell items are made in a shared kitchen, there's a risk that they could be contaminated with gluten ingredients. Here's a complete list of Taco Bell meat that is made without gluten: Seasoned beef.

Is Taco Bell meat gluten free? ›

Is Taco Bell Meat Gluten-Free? All of the meat at Taco Bell is made without gluten ingredients, but it isn't certified gluten-free. Because all Taco Bell items are made in a shared kitchen, there's a risk that they could be contaminated with gluten ingredients.

What was on the bell beefer? ›

Enter the Bell Beefer. A mishmash of ground beef, onions, lettuce, and mild taco sauce on a hamburger bun (with the option to upgrade to a version involving tomatoes and sour cream), the Bell Beefer was a lot more like a sloppy joe than an actual hamburger.

Does Taco Bell have meat substitute? ›

The resulting Beyond Carne Asada Steak is a delicious plant-based option crafted with simple plant-based ingredients** and Taco Bell's signature spices, and the product is certified vegan*** by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA).

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