Description

A rich, homemade taco seasoning blend combined with ground beef, featuring a secret ingredient (cocoa powder) to add depth and complexity for taco bowls or nachos.

Ingredients

Scale

1.1 lbs lean ground beef (500g)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder (15g)
2 teaspoons chili powder (10g)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
1 teaspoon onion powder (5g)
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano (2.5g)
0.5 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (2.5g)
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (1g), optional
1 teaspoon fine sea salt (5g)
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2g)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g)
0.5 cup beef broth (120 ml)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15 ml)
For garnish: fresh cilantro, red onion, lime wedges

Instructions

Combine Spices: In a small bowl, combine the ancho chili powder, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, unsweetened cocoa powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until evenly distributed.
Brown Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully browned and no pink remains.
Add Seasoning and Tomato Paste: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add the prepared homemade taco seasoning mixture and tomato paste to the cooked beef, stirring well to coat all the meat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes. Continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beef is coated in a thick, glossy sauce.
Finish with Lime Juice and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Serve immediately, generously topped with chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

To release the essential oils and flavor of the dried oregano, rub it between your fingers before adding it to the spice mixture. If the mixture looks too dry during simmering, add another tablespoon of broth; if too wet, continue simmering until thickened.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (~125g)
Calories: 260 calories
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: homemade taco seasoning, ground beef, weeknight meal, easy, cocoa powder, Mexican-inspired, quick dinner, taco filling