This Taco Bell seasoned beef recipe is a fast way to get that seasoned taco flavor at home. It’s mostly pantry stuff and ground beef — comes together in one pan and like, 10 minutes tops. Good for broke dinners or when you just don’t feel like doing much.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 2 mins
- Cook time: 6 mins
- Flavor: warm, savory, taco-y
- Great for: busy nights, meal prep, nacho emergencies
Why I Like This Recipe
Was just staring into my fridge at 8pm, nothing exciting in there. Had ground beef, remembered this one — barely a recipe tbh. Just throw some spices in and you’re basically done. Tastes solid every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
- 1 tsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp beef bouillon granules
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- ¼ tsp sugar
How To Make Seasoned Beef
- Cook the beef: Throw it in a skillet, medium heat. Break it up, stir around till it’s brown.
- Add the spice mix: Sprinkle everything in. Mix till coated and it smells good.
- Simmer real quick: Add a couple splashes of water, let it sizzle for like 2 mins.
- Taste test: Add more salt or chili powder if you want.
- Serve hot: Tacos, bowls, whatever’s easiest.

Tips for Success
- Go for 85/15 beef — flavor’s better.
- Stir often or you’ll get weird clumps.
- Water at the end helps everything come together.
- Dried onion flakes > fresh for texture here.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Lasts up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- Freezer: Freeze flat — reheats great for random taco cravings.
- Microwave: 1 min on high, stir halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm over low with a splash of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: Can I use fresh onions?
Yeah, just sauté them with the meat — no big deal. - Q2: Too salty?
Try garlic powder + a pinch of salt instead of garlic salt. - Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
Use lentils or plant-based crumbles. Seasoning still works. - Q4: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely — make a batch, store, reheat as needed. - Q5: Is it spicy?
Not crazy spicy. But yeah, skip cayenne if you’re not into heat.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Forgetting to drain fat: Too greasy — not great.
- Overcooking the beef: Dries out fast, so don’t walk away.
- Adding spices too early: Gotta wait till beef is browned or it clumps.
- No water = dry mess: A little water helps bring it together.
- Using too lean beef: Needs a bit of fat or it’s just… meh.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 510mg
- Potassium: 330mg
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 23g
Seasoned Beef Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Tex-MexDifficulty: Easy4
servings2
minutes6
minutes290
kcalQuick seasoned beef with warm, taco-style spices — done in one pan.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp flour
1 tsp beef bouillon
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
¼ tsp cayenne
¼ tsp sugar
Directions
- Brown beef in pan, break it up.
- Add all dry ingredients, stir.
- Add splash of water, simmer 2 mins.
- Taste and adjust salt/spice.
- Use right away in tacos or bowls.
Notes
- Sub garlic salt with garlic powder + salt if needed.
- Freeze in bags for easy future meals.
- Cayenne’s optional.
- Don’t skip the bouillon — adds depth.