Name: Copycat Taco Bell Style Seasoned Ground Beef
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon all‑purpose flour; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ cup water

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This copycat Taco Bell seasoned ground beef recipe captures that iconic fast-food flavor with simple ingredients and a quick stovetop method. I get perfectly crumbled beef that’s deeply savory, with just the right touch of spice and richness. It’s ideal for stuffing tacos, burritos, or even loading onto nachos. Copycat Taco Bell Style Seasoned Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this recipe is to whip up — it takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. I don’t need any special seasoning packets or hard-to-find ingredients, and yet the result tastes exactly like the Taco Bell beef I know and crave. Plus, making it at home means I can control the quality of the ingredients and adjust the spice to my taste. It’s fast, satisfying, and super versatile.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
½ cup water

Directions

I add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat and brown it, breaking it into very small crumbles using a potato masher or meat chopper.
Once fully cooked, I stir in all the remaining ingredients — flour, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, beef bouillon paste, tomato paste, sugar, and water.
I bring the mixture to a simmer.
I keep cooking, stirring and breaking up the meat as needed, until most of the liquid has been absorbed — this usually takes about 5 more minutes.
I remove the pan from the heat and use the beef in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or whatever I’m craving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If I want it spicier, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
For a smoky twist, I use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
When I’m in a rush, I occasionally use a store-bought taco seasoning packet instead of the individual spices.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, I simply warm the beef in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. If it looks dry, I splash in a little water before reheating.

FAQs

How do I get the meat to have that fine Taco Bell texture?

I make sure to break the beef into very small crumbles while cooking. A potato masher or meat chopper helps a lot with this.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make a batch in advance and reheat it when I need it. It stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not particularly. It’s flavorful but mild. I adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or extra chili powder if I want more heat.

Can I freeze the cooked beef?

Absolutely. I let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

What can I use this meat for?

I use it in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or taco salads. It’s super flexible and works in just about any Tex-Mex dish.

Conclusion

This copycat Taco Bell seasoned ground beef hits all the right notes — quick, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for busy weeknights. I love that I can recreate such a classic fast-food flavor right at home with pantry staples. Whether it’s taco night or I just need something quick and satisfying, this recipe is always a win.