The REAL Taco Bell Seasoned Beef Recipe
The REAL Taco Bell Seasoned Beef Recipe is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 280 calories per serving. Recipe by DishwithDrew on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $4.47 total, $1.12 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean / 20% fat for authentic juiciness)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Just enough to coat the pan)
- 1 tsp Cumin (Part of the spice blend)
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (Balances acidity)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Part of the spice blend)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder (Gives mild heat and color)
- 1 tsp Beef Bouillon Powder (Adds deep beefy umami)
- 1 tsp Salt (Season to taste)
- 0.5 tsp MSG (Optional, boosts savory flavor)
- 1 tsp Tomato Powder (Adds subtle tomato depth)
- 0.5 tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Provides a hint of richness without chocolate flavor)
- 1 tbsp Oat Flour (Locks in moisture and gives the beef a uniform texture)
- 0.33 cup Water (Adds steam; use 1/3 cup per pound of beef)
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Blend
Combine cumin, sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, beef bouillon, salt, MSG, tomato powder, cocoa powder, and oat flour in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until evenly mixed.
Time: PT5M
Preheat the Skillet
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet and set over medium heat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook and Chop the Beef
Add the 1 lb of 80/20 ground beef to the hot skillet. Using a meat cutter tool, quickly chop the meat into small pieces, stirring constantly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Water
When the beef is about halfway cooked (still pink in spots), pour in 1/3 cup water.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Incorporate the Spice Blend
Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the beef and stir to coat evenly.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Finish Cooking
Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This should take another 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cool and Store
Remove the skillet from heat. Let the seasoned beef cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 280
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains MSG, High protein, Low carbohydrate, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Oat flour (contains gluten), MSG
Last updated: April 22, 2026








