Easy Ground Beef Taco Meat (Whole30, Paleo, Keto)
This juicy ground beef taco meat comes together in just 30 minutes with a flavor-packed skillet method that skips store bought mixes and avoids added sugars. My hidden veggie hack (blending in cauliflower rice) doubles your beef yield while keeping things budget friendly and nutrient rich. Even better? No one notices the veggies! The texture is seamless and the flavor soaks right in. It’s my go to recipe for taco night, meal prep, and Whole30 friendly dinners with zero fuss and maximum flavor.
This post will walk you through my favorite skillet method for perfectly seasoned taco meat with a hidden veggie boost. It’s fast, versatile, and ready for lettuce wraps, burrito bowls, and leftovers all week long!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Taco Meat
Ground beef taco meat is a staple in my house – and for good reason! We’re a big “taco Tuesday” family, but honestly, this shows up in our kitchen on way more than just Tuesdays. It’s hearty, flavorful, and hits the spot every time.
I’ve tested so many variations, and this one’s the winner. Why? Because it’s:
- Stretchy + satisfying: The cauliflower rice blends right into the beef, doubling the volume while soaking up flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep: I always make a big batch on Sundays and use it in bowls, wraps, or even as a quick taco salad base.
- Clean and compliant: It’s Whole30, keto, and paleo. No added sugars, no grains, no weird fillers. Just real food.
If you’re building out a week of easy Mexican-inspired meals, this pairs beautifully with my Mexican Restaurant Style Guacamole or a scoop of Mexican Charred Corn Salad on the side.
Watch the Recipe Video
Note: You can also watch this recipe video on YouTube.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick overview of what goes into this simple, satisfying recipe. No weird ingredients, just a handful of pantry and freezer staples.
- Ground Beef: I use 85/15 grass-fed beef. It’s rich, flavorful, and holds up well to the seasonings without drying out.
- Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed until golden.
- Frozen Cauliflower Rice: My favorite way to stretch a pound of beef into a budget friendly batch. Adds volume, nutrition, and blends right in.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite Whole30 compliant blend, or make your own at home with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Tomato Paste: Adds umami and richness. Just a little bit goes a long way.
- Avocado Oil: Great for high heat cooking and adds a subtle buttery finish.
Pro Tip: Want to skip the tortillas? Serve this over Homemade Cauliflower Rice and top with Whole30 + Keto Salsa!
How to Make Ground Beef Taco Meat
Step 1: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add avocado oil and chopped onion. Sauté until soft and golden, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground beef. Break it up with a potato masher or spatula.
Step 4: When the beef is halfway browned, add frozen cauliflower rice directly from the bag.
Step 5: Stir and cook until the beef is browned and the cauliflower rice has fully thawed and absorbed the juices – about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste. Cook another 5 minutes until everything is fully incorporated and fragrant.
Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage, Freezer, and Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is meal prep gold. I always make extra because it keeps beautifully and tastes just as good the next day (maybe better!).
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Let cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 6 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or rewarm in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
If you want a different twist try it in Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowls or lettuce wraps with guac and salsa on top. And don’t forget to check out my Mexican Charred Corn Salad – it makes an amazing side!
Recipe FAQs
I love adding it to scrambled eggs for a protein packed breakfast, stuffing it into roasted bell peppers for a low carb dinner, or layering it into taco salad jars for a ready to go lunch.
Yes! For a slow cooker, cook the beef and onion first, then transfer with cauliflower rice, seasoning, and tomato paste to your crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook everything, add 1/4 cup water or broth, then pressure cook for 2-3 minutes on high pressure with a quick release.
Yes! Let it cool, then store in a freezer safe bag or container. It’ll keep for 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
I always look for blends with clean labels – no added sugar, starch, or preservatives. Two brands I trust are Primal Palate and Siete, but I often make my own at home with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and oregano for full control over the flavor.
Definitely! Just use the same method but consider adding a touch of extra oil to keep the leaner meat juicy.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
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Ground Beef Taco Meat (Whole30, Paleo, Keto)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 12-ounce bag of frozen cauliflower rice
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the avocado oil and onions, sauté the onions until soft and turning golden, stirring occasionally. About 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, and break up with a potato masher.
- When the ground beef is about half way cooked, add in the frozen cauliflower rice straight from frozen. The cauliflower rice will thaw, and add more moisture to the ground beef as it is thawing. Stir to combine and cook until the meat is cooked through and brown and the cauliflower rice is thawed and has absorbed all the moisture and flavor of the beef, stirring occasionally. About 10 minutes.
- Add the taco seasoning and tomato paste. Stir to combine and cook until fragrant and fully combined. About 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
- Will keep in an airtight container refrigerated for 5 days, or frozen for 6 months.
- See the Recipe Notes below for more tips, FAQ's and ingredient substitutions.
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