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Taco Bell-Style Seasoned Beef Base
Rachel Kim

Taco Bell-Style Seasoned Beef Base

This fine, saucy beef is the foundation under half the menu. Brown it, then add water and mash while it simmers so the crumbles turn tiny and even. Masa harina gives the seasoning something to cling to without making the filling pasty.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs 85-percent lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp masa harina
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 160°F.
  2. Drain excess fat and return the skillet to medium heat.
  3. Add the salt, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne and masa harina.
  4. Pour in the water and mash the beef with a potato masher until the crumbles are very fine.
  5. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid becomes a light sauce around the meat.
  6. Use immediately or cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days.