Why You’ll Love Mexican Style Ground Beef Recipe
This Mexican Style Ground Beef is a fantastic alternative to traditional taco seasoning packets. The combination of warm spices and green enchilada sauce creates a savory, slightly tangy filling that’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- It’s ready in about 20 minutes.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.
- Juicy and flavorful without being complicated.
- Easy to customize with your favorite level of spice.
- Great for meal prep and freezing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 ounces green enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced dried onion
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Return the beef to the skillet.
- Stir in the green enchilada sauce, dried onion, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
- Mix well until all of the beef is evenly coated.
- Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the dried onion softens.
- Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, taco salads, or over rice.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Use red enchilada sauce instead of green for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Stir in diced green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Add black beans or pinto beans to stretch the filling.
- Mix in corn for a touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Cotija cheese over the finished meat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, or pico de gallo.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Mexican Style Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water if needed to restore its saucy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. It stores very well and is ideal for meal prep throughout the week.
Can I use regular taco seasoning instead?
Yes, but this homemade seasoning blend offers a fresher flavor and lets you control the ingredients.
What is the best ground beef to use?
Lean ground beef (around 90/10) provides plenty of flavor while minimizing excess grease.
Can I substitute red enchilada sauce?
Absolutely. Red enchilada sauce creates a deeper, slightly smokier flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat. You can easily increase or decrease the chili powder to suit your taste.
What can I serve with Mexican Style Ground Beef?
It’s delicious in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, taco salads, rice bowls, or stuffed peppers.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
How do I keep the meat from drying out?
Avoid overcooking it, and add a splash of water while reheating if necessary.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dried onions?
Yes. Sauté about ½ cup of finely diced onion with the beef before adding the remaining ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. This recipe doubles easily and is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing freezer meals.
Conclusion
Mexican Style Ground Beef is a quick, flavorful recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. The combination of savory spices and enchilada sauce creates juicy, restaurant-quality taco meat that’s perfect for countless Mexican-inspired meals. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this versatile recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Mexican Style Ground Beef
Mexican Style Ground Beef is a flavorful, juicy, and versatile filling made with lean ground beef, warm spices, and green enchilada sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, taco salads, and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 ounces green enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced dried onion
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Return the beef to the skillet.
- Stir in the green enchilada sauce, dried onion, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
- Mix well until the beef is evenly coated.
- Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the dried onion softens.
- Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, taco salads, rice bowls, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Use red enchilada sauce for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Add diced green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Mix in black beans, pinto beans, or corn to stretch the filling.
- Top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Cotija cheese, plus fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, or pico de gallo.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
