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How To Make Taco Meat Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe)

Taco meat is used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to burritos to nachos.

But if you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, you may feel stuck.

Don’t worry!

This easy recipe will show you how to make taco meat without tomato sauce.

You’ll be surprised how delicious and flavorful it can be!

Read Also: 15 Fruits That Go With Tacos

How To Make Taco Meat Without Tomato Sauce

How To Make Taco Meat Without Tomato Sauce

To make taco meat without tomato sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the taco meat:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned and crumbled.
  2. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika to the skillet and stir to combine.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the meat is fully cooked.
  5. Serve the taco meat in warm tortillas or over a bed of lettuce, and top with your favorite taco toppings, such as cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Enjoy!

5 Alternatives To Tomato Sauce In Taco Meat

1. Salsa or Pico de Gallo

Salsa or Pico de Gallo can be a great substitute for tomato sauce in taco meat because they offer a flavorful, fresh alternative to the traditional tomato sauce.

Both salsa and Pico de Gallo are made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers, providing a zesty, tangy flavor to the taco meat.

Additionally, salsa and Pico de Gallo are much healthier than tomato sauce, as they are not processed and contain no added sugars or preservatives.

The added vegetables also offer additional vitamins and minerals that are not found in tomato sauce.

Finally, the added texture of the vegetables in salsa and Pico de Gallo provide a nice crunch to the taco meat, making it a great alternative to the traditional tomato-based sauce.

2. Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce can be a great substitute for tomato sauce in taco meat because it has a similar flavor profile but with a bit more complexity.

Enchilada sauce is made with a combination of chili peppers, garlic, onion, tomato sauce, and other seasonings.

This combination creates a unique flavor that is smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet.

The sauce is also thicker than regular tomato sauce, so it helps to hold the taco meat together better.

The flavor of the enchilada sauce also pairs well with the other ingredients found in tacos, such as cheese, cilantro, and salsa.

The additional spices and flavors of the enchilada sauce can add a nice depth to the taco meat that tomato sauce alone cannot achieve.

3. Creamy Avocado Sauce

Creamy Avocado Sauce is a great substitute because it adds a creamy texture and a subtle flavor that complements the flavors of the taco meat.

It’s also high in healthy fats and vitamins, making it a healthier option than tomato sauce.

The creamy texture of the avocado sauce helps to keep the taco meat moist and juicy, and the flavor is mild enough that it won’t overwhelm the other ingredients in the taco.

Avocado sauce is also much quicker to prepare than tomato sauce, and it can be used as a topping to give tacos an extra flavor boost.

4. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt and sour cream can be great substitutes for tomato sauce because they both act as excellent binding agents that help keep the meat together.

Additionally, they both have a creamy, tangy flavor that helps to balance the spiciness of the taco meat.

Greek yogurt and sour cream also contain healthy fats and protein, which can help make the taco meat more nutritious and filling.

Finally, both Greek yogurt and sour cream are low in calories, so they can be used as a healthier alternative to tomato sauce.

5. BBQ Sauce

BBQ Sauce
Source: addapinch.com

BBQ sauce can be a great substitute because it adds a unique flavor that tomato sauce alone can’t provide.

BBQ sauce is a combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that can provide a depth of flavor to taco meat that tomato sauce can’t provide on its own.

Additionally, BBQ sauce can add moisture to taco meat that tomato sauce alone cannot, making the taco filling more flavorful and juicy.

BBQ sauce is also a great way to add a subtle smoky flavor to the taco meat that can bring out the other flavors in the taco filling.

3 Tips for Making Taco Meat Without Tomato Sauce

Start with a good quality ground beef

Ground beef

When making taco meat it is important to start with a good-quality ground beef.

Look for a beef that is at least 80% lean, and preferably ground chuck or sirloin for the best flavor and texture.

Make sure to check the expiry date on the package and that the beef is properly sealed and stored in the refrigerator.

If you are able to, buy organic, grass-fed beef for the most nutritious and flavorful taco meat.

Once you have the right ground beef, you can begin making your taco meat.

Use fresh herbs and spices

Herbs

Using fresh herbs and spices is a great way to create a flavorful taco meat that is still full of flavor.

Some of the herbs and spices you can use include onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cilantro.

Make sure to use a combination of these herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile that works with the ingredients you have available.

For example, you could mix together chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika for a smoky and earthy flavor.

Or you could combine onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cilantro for a more zesty and bright flavor.

Experiment with different combinations to find the flavor you want for your taco meat.

Add some acidity

Lemon juice

Adding some acidity to your taco meat can help to create a more flavorful and complex dish.

When cooking without tomato sauce, it is important to find a way to balance out the flavors and create a well-rounded taste.

Adding a bit of acidity can help to do this.

Consider adding a dash of lime or lemon juice, a splash of vinegar, or a teaspoon of salsa to the taco meat while it cooks.

This will help to bring out the flavors of the meat and other ingredients and make the dish more enjoyable.

How To Make Taco Meat Without Tomato Sauce

This post provides a step-by-step guide for making taco meat without the use of tomato sauce. It outlines the ingredients needed and provides detailed instructions on how to prepare the meat, from browning it in a skillet to seasoning it with spices.
It also offers helpful tips and suggestions for variations on the classic taco meat recipe and for making the dish more flavorful. With this guide, you'll be making delicious taco meat in no time.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Meat
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned and crumbled.
  • Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika to the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the meat is fully cooked.
  • Serve the taco meat in warm tortillas or over a bed of lettuce, and top with your favorite taco toppings, such as cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Keyword How To Make Taco Meat Without Tomato Sauce
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.