Adding the right amount of water is crucial when using Old El Paso taco seasoning to get the perfect consistency and flavor for your taco meat. The exact amount of water needed can vary slightly based on personal preference, but there are some general guidelines to follow.
The Package Directions
First, it’s important to check the directions on the Old El Paso taco seasoning package. This will give you the recommended amount of water to use with that particular variety or size of seasoning packet. Most standard 1.25 oz packets recommend adding 3/4 cup of water per pound of ground beef.
So for example, if you are making tacos with 1 pound of ground beef, you would add:
- 1 packet (1.25 oz) Old El Paso taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 pound ground beef
This 3/4 cup of water per pound of meat is a good baseline ratio to follow when using Old El Paso seasoning packets. But you may need to adjust the amount up or down slightly depending on your preferences.
Adjusting the Amount of Water
Some people may find that 3/4 cup of water per pound of meat makes the taco meat too dry or the seasoning too concentrated. In that case, you can experiment with adding a little more water:
- Try 1 cup of water per 1 pound of ground beef
- Or add up to 1 1/4 cups water per pound of meat for very moist taco meat
On the other hand, if you find that the taco meat turns out too watery or the seasoning flavor seems diluted, you can use a bit less water:
- Try 1/2 cup of water per 1 pound of meat
- Or reduce to just 1/3 cup water per pound for a thicker, drier taco meat
The right amount of water can also vary depending on the type of ground beef you use. Leaner meats may require a little more water than meats with a higher fat content.
Tips for Adding Water
Here are some tips when adding water to Old El Paso taco seasoning:
- Always add the seasoning packet first and mix it evenly throughout the raw ground beef before adding any water. This helps prevent clumping.
- Add the water gradually instead of all at once. Start with about 1/2 cup first and mix thoroughly, then continue adding more as needed until the desired consistency is reached.
- Stir frequently as you add the water and continue cooking. This helps distribute the moisture and seasoning evenly.
- Cook the meat thoroughly after adding water, until no pink remains. The water may cause the meat to require a minute or two longer cook time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or moisture if needed at the end. You can sprinkle in a little extra seasoning or add another tablespoon or two of water.
Type of Meat
The type of ground beef you choose for your tacos can also affect how much water you need:
| Meat | Water Needed |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef (95% lean) | 3/4 to 1 cup per pound |
| Regular ground beef (80-85% lean) | About 3/4 cup per pound |
| Ground sirloin (90% lean) | About 3/4 cup per pound |
| Ground chuck (80-85% lean) | About 3/4 cup per pound |
As shown above, leaner meats like 95% lean ground beef will need a little more added water than fattier options like ground chuck. The fat content adds moisture, so less water is needed.
Meat Alternatives
When making tacos with a ground meat alternative like soy protein crumbles, you may also need to adjust the water amount. Follow the package directions for any plant-based or vegan taco meat replacements.
Typically you need a bit more water for meatless taco mixes compared to real ground beef. Try starting with 1 cup water per pound of meatless crumbles and adjust from there if needed.
Troubleshooting Watery Taco Meat
If your taco meat turns out too watery and soggy when using Old El Paso seasoning, try these fixes:
- Reduce the amount of water – start with just 1/2 cup per pound of meat.
- Add a little corn or flour tortilla chips and mix in. This will help absorb excess moisture.
- Increase heat and simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.
- Add a teaspoon of cornstarch and cook 2-3 minutes more to thicken.
Fixing Dry, Crumbly Taco Meat
If your seasoned taco meat seems too dry and crumbly, you can also make some adjustments:
- Gradually mix in more water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Switch to a fattier ground beef with higher fat content.
- Add a teaspoon of oil when browning the meat to add moisture.
- Sauté onions or other veggies and add to the meat mixture.
Cooking Guidelines
Here is a quick summary of the basic steps when using Old El Paso taco seasoning:
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Be sure to break up any large chunks as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed. Return meat to skillet.
- Add entire 1.25 ounce packet of seasoning and stir well to coat meat.
- Gradually stir in about 3/4 cup water. For leaner meat, start with 1 cup water. Mix well.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes stirring frequently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or water as desired. Simmer 2-3 minutes more.
- Fill taco shells, nachos, or other dishes and enjoy!
Tips for Perfectly Seasoned Meat
To get the most flavorful taco meat when using Old El Paso seasoning packets, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh seasoning packets before the best by date.
- Make sure to add the seasoning first before any water.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5+ minutes to fully hydrate the spices.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Add any extra seasonings like cumin, garlic powder, etc. after cooking.
- For stronger seasoning flavor, use less water. For milder flavor, use more water.
- If the meat seems bland, add pinch more salt and pepper or seasoning mix.
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover taco meat safe and fresh-tasting, follow these storage tips:
- Let meat cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
- You can also freeze cooked taco meat for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- For maximum flavor and moisture, store taco meat with a little broth or juice.
- Avoid freezing previously frozen taco meat more than once.
Conclusion
Following the package instructions by adding 3/4 cup water per pound of ground beef is a good place to start when using Old El Paso taco seasoning. But don’t be afraid to customize to your preferences by using a little more or less water as needed. The key is mixing the seasoning in well before adding water, then letting the mixture simmer to develop maximum flavor. With the proper hydration and cooking, you’ll be ready to enjoy amazing tacos or nachos in no time.