Taco meat ? Do you know how

[disneydreamersx4]

to get the ground beef finely crumbled up like Taco Bell's?
I thought I read a trick to get it that way here on the DIS but couldn't find it.

 

[JennyDarling]

Not sure if this is the tip you saw earlier but if you add a cup of water to the pan while you're browning the meat it will cook up very fine. Just drain the excess water off when you drain the fat.

 

[mousetravel]

This is what I do and I also do the same for my spagetti sauce:

Put the ground beef in a pot (not a pan, you need some working room).

Squish the ground beef with your hands (Yeah, seems gross, but this works, and be sure to wash hands before and after you do this!)

Add some water to the pot (about a cup or more)

Let it boil for a while, and keep it stirred often. (While you're stirring, you may still have to break up some big pieces with a spoon.)

Then drain and add it in to your recipe.

 

[disneydreamersx4]

so water is the trick, thanks!

 

[Disney845]

I never knew there was any "trick"...I always just stabbed at it repeatedly with my spatula while cooking it?

 

[TxRabbit]

The idea is to not necessarily brown the meat but to simmer the meat, keeping it just covered in water (adding more if necessary) and stirring often. This will result in a fine crumb. If you start with lean meat, you can just use the simmering water as the base for the taco seasoning. Go ahead and add the seasoning to the meat before you simmer it. The water will then make a nice sauce.

 

[mcorbo]

I never knew there was any "trick"...I always just stabbed at it repeatedly with my spatula while cooking it?

I have not tried this yet, but just read it in cooks illustrated, instead of using the spatula, try a wire whisk.....

 

[DisneyDebbie]

Well, my SIL just told me about the water trick, I tried it and it's okay. What my kids really like better is what I did before- I put the browned beef in my blender(for about 20 seconds) 1/3 lb. at a time

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I use ~*this*~

*Here's* several reviews.

This review in particular mentions that "she" use to boil her ground beef but now she uses the Mix 'N Chop.

 

[csss31399]

Yes, the key is water. I actually boil it in a lot of water: think boiling spaghetti noodles and then drain. It makes a huge difference.

 

[720L]

I use ~*this*~

I have this and it is awesome for browning meat!

 

[java]

I use ~*this*~

Me too! I thought how can this really work- well surprise it does! And it's cheap.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

I salt the pan before I add the meat. The salt helps break it up and adds flavor at the same time if you don't have sodium issues. I have also used a fork to stir the meat back when I used to have cast iron skillets.
I read an article recently that said Taco Bell uses an additive that has basically teh same chemical compound as sand to make theirs crumbly. Personally, I prefer salt to sand.

 

[pixiewings71]

I have the mix and chop too! LOVE it!!!!

 

[gacompguy]

I use a food processor on fresh meat from the grocery store to get it to that fine consistency. A little bit of water in the food processor usually helps. That goes into a skillet with a little more water and then the taco seasoning once the ground beef is brown.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Pampered chef has a tool that I just love for this. I have no idea what it is called though. But no extra water needed in any recipe that calls for finally crumbled ground meats. (I do not nor never have sold Pampered chef---I just really like this gadget.)

 

[pixiewings71]

Pampered chef has a tool that I just love for this. I have no idea what it is called though. But no extra water needed in any recipe that calls for finally crumbled ground meats. (I do not nor never have sold Pampered chef---I just really like this gadget.)

LOL it's the mix and chop, there were 3 or 4 of us talking about it on page 1. I love that thing too!

 

[buckler]

I'm going to try this the next time I make loose meat sandwiches. I've never had the real thing (Maid Rites from Iowa) but we saw them on a sandwich show on PBS and they looked good so I googled to find a recipe to make them at home. They are basically unformed hamburgers but they are quite good.

Homemade version of Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwiches

 

[IndianaPrincess]

I'm going to try this the next time I make loose meat sandwiches. I've never had the real thing (Maid Rites from Iowa) but we saw them on a sandwich show on PBS and they looked good so I googled to find a recipe to make them at home. They are basically unformed hamburgers but they are quite good.

Homemade version of Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwiches

OMGOSH! Thank you for transporting back to my childhood! I am making those ASAP! Now if I could only get the peanut butter pie that always went with it... sitting at the counter! Love it!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

How do you guys drain it? Like with a collinder?