The Best Taco Meat Ever.

The Best Taco Meat Ever. is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 8. 206 calories per serving. Recipe by Pepperbellypete on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 51 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min

Cost: $18.26 total, $2.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 lb Ground Sirloin (93% lean ground beef)
  • 2 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium, enough to cover the meat)
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder (Mild, store‑bought)
  • 1 tbsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin (Ground)
  • 1.5 tbsp Garlic Powder (Granulated)
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder (Granulated)
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika (Adds smoky depth)
  • 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 1 large Onion (Yellow, diced)
  • 2 large Jalapeno (Diced; wear gloves to avoid irritation)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Pureed before adding)
  • 2 tsp Cornstarch (Dissolved in water to form slurry)
  • 0.25 cup Water (For cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Fresh Ingredients

    Dice the onion and jalapeno; puree the canned Rotel in a bowl or with an immersion blender.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Brown the Ground Sirloin

    Place the ground sirloin in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until lightly browned, then add enough beef broth to just cover the meat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Add Seasonings

    Stir in chili powder, black pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Incorporate Onion and Jalapeno

    Add the diced onion and jalapeno to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the onion becomes translucent.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Add Pureed Rotel and Simmer

    Pour the pureed Rotel into the pot, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Simmer the Chili

    Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: low simmer

  7. Break Up Any Clumps

    After 30 minutes, check the meat texture and break up any remaining clumps with a spoon.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low simmer

  8. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

    In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup cold water, stirring until completely smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Thicken the Chili

    Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering pot and continue to cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Serve

    Remove from heat and serve the chili hot in warmed tortillas, taco shells, or burrito wraps. Garnish with cilantro, shredded cheese, or lime wedges if desired.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
206
Protein
19g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, High-Protein, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Corn

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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The Best Taco Meat Ever.

Recipe by Pepperbellypete

A quick and flavorful Tex‑Mex style ground sirloin chili perfect for stuffing tacos, burritos, or topping nachos. The recipe uses simple pantry spices, a can of Rotel, and a cornstarch slurry to create a thick, savory filling.

EasyTex-MexServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
47m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 8m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.26
Total cost
$2.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the Ground Sirloin and add broth
  • Add Pureed Rotel and bring to a simmer
  • Thicken the Chili with cornstarch slurry

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw ground beef with separate utensils and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
  • Be careful when sautéing hot oil and broth; avoid splatters.
  • Wear gloves when cutting jalapeno to prevent skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of ground sirloin chili in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Ground beef chili, often called "chili con carne," became popular in Texas in the late 19th century as a hearty, inexpensive dish for ranch workers. Over time it merged with Mexican flavors like cumin, chili powder, and Rotel, creating the Tex‑Mex style taco filling we enjoy today.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beef chili used in tacos across Texas and northern Mexico?

A

In Texas, chili often features a dry rub of chili powder, cumin, and paprika with minimal beans, while northern Mexican versions may include roasted chilies, tomatillos, and a thinner broth. Some regions add chocolate or cinnamon for a richer depth.

cultural
Q

How is ground sirloin chili traditionally served in Tex‑Mex street food culture?

A

Street vendors typically spoon the hot chili onto warm corn or flour tortillas, then top it with chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and sometimes shredded cheese or salsa, creating a quick, handheld meal.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or gatherings is beef chili commonly prepared in Tex‑Mex households?

A

Beef chili is a staple for casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, where it can be served as a taco or burrito filling or as a topping for nachos.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Tex‑Mex ground sirloin chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include lean ground sirloin or chuck, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and canned Rotel. Substitutes can be ground beef with higher fat, chicken broth, or a homemade blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies if Rotel is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with this ground sirloin chili?

A

Serve the chili with freshly made corn tortillas, Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and a side of pickled jalapenos for a complete Tex‑Mex meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ground sirloin chili for tacos?

A

Common errors include overcooking the meat, which makes it dry; not breaking up the meat fully, leading to clumps; and adding the cornstarch slurry too early, which can create a gummy texture. Follow the timing steps carefully for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken the chili?

A

Cornstarch thickens quickly at lower temperatures and creates a glossy, smooth sauce without adding extra flour flavor or gluten, keeping the dish gluten‑free and preserving the bright chili taste.

technical
Q

Can I make this ground sirloin chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Pepperbellypete specializes in fast, flavorful Tex‑Mex and American comfort food recipes, focusing on budget‑friendly meals that can be prepared with minimal equipment and simple pantry staples.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Pepperbellypete emphasizes quick, one‑pot meals and uses straightforward ingredient lists, often substituting specialty items with everyday grocery products, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or hard‑to‑find ingredients.

channel

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