This Easy Keto Taco Meat recipe is a great protein option for more than just taco Tuesday, try it in burrito bowls, taco salads, and more!
We can't believe we didn't have a quick and easy recipe for Keto Taco Meat on CIK until today! This recipe is our quick and dirty go-to for everything from tacos to burrito bowls, to taco salads. With just 4 ingredients this is a recipe that we bet you already have all of the ingredients on hand for.
Sometimes we find ourselves starring into the refrigerator at 5 o'clock wondering what to make for dinner. A lot of those times, ok, most of those times, we end up making tacos. It's the obvious choice, right?
We usually have all of these ingredients plus cheese on hand so we whip up some Keto Cheese Taco Shells and this taco meat and call it a day. A very good day.
Let's get to the ins and outs of this recipe:
What taco seasoning should I use for taco meat?
Any low-carb taco seasoning will work but we're biased and prefer our Keto Homemade Taco Seasoning. If you're buying one from the grocery store be sure to read the ingredient label and watch out for added thickeners like wheat flour or corn starch.
Can I use a different protein?
Sure can. Ground turkey works great as does ground pork or chicken.
Can I make this plant-based?
Yes! We love using Beyond Meat's ground "beef" in this recipe. It's a 1:1 swap with no changes in the instructions.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or another non-skillet appliance?
We're biased here too and think a cast iron skillet creates the perfect taco meat due to its ability to perfectly brown the meat but yes, you can use an Instant Pot or slow cooker. If using an IP, brown the meat first before pressure cooking.
What is the nutritional information for this keto taco meat?
As always, you can find the full nutritional breakdown including the carb count (total carbs and net carbs) at the bottom of the recipe card. You can find the serving size/yield at the top of the recipe card. You should always double-check your specific ingredients as different brand's ingredients may have different values.
Looking for other Mexican- inspired Keto recipes? Check out these other free low carb / free keto recipes:
Easy Keto Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 lb ground beef plant-based if desired - we use Beyond Meat
- 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ cup canned crushed tomatoes we use fire-roasted
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large 10.5″ cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot add the ground beef to the skillet and break apart with a wooden spoon. Allow to brown without touching it for 5 or so minutes then stir.
- Add in the spices and cook one minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer until thickened. Season with salt to taste and serve.
JP says
Great recipe! Does the nutrition information include the cheese shells, or is it just the taco meat?
Cast Iron Keto says
Hi JP, the nutritional info is just for the taco meat.
Chris says
Is it 361 calories for the entire 1 pound of meat? Thanks
Cast Iron Keto says
Hi Chris, the nutritional information is per serving. Hope this helps.
Janet Shaw says
I’m curious as to why you’d use plant based meat, not real nutrient dense ground beef?
Cast Iron Keto says
Hi Janet, we provide options for all types of eaters, omnivores and plant-based.