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Taco Bell Hamburger Meat Recipe

Taco Bell Hamburger Meat Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Making your own Taco Bell hamburger meat recipe isn’t just about saving money – though you’ll definitely do that. It’s about having complete control over the ingredients and creating that perfect texture and flavor that makes Taco Bell’s seasoned beef so irresistible.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 444
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef 90/10 recommended, 80/20 works too
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon MSG Accent seasoning
  • 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon beef paste or 1 bouillon cube
  • 2 tablespoons oat flour or masa harina
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice secret ingredient!
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning McCormick preferred
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Method
 

  1. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a meat masher to break up the beef into very fine, small pieces – this texture is crucial for authentic Taco Bell hamburger meat recipe results.
  2. Once the beef is mostly broken up, add all your dry spices (chili powder through MSG). Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Continue cooking until there’s barely any pink left in the meat.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and Better Than Bouillon beef paste. Mix well to distribute evenly throughout the meat.
  4. Even with lean beef, there will be some grease. Use paper towels to carefully absorb any excess fat from the pan.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the oat flour and water until smooth. Tilt your pan and pour this mixture to one side, allowing it to heat to about 200°F where it will begin to thicken into a gravy.
  6. Gradually incorporate the meat into the thickened sauce, stirring constantly. This process takes about 1-2 minutes to fully combine.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice – this is what gives it that authentic Taco Bell hamburger meat recipe flavor!

Video

Notes

Store your homemade Taco Bell hamburger meat recipe in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.