The orginal Taco Bell ground beef recipe (prior to YUM Brands)

Hi Reddit, I originally submitted what I thought was a very close recipe, but darn, this one is truly spot on. Enjoy!

Start with 1 or 2 (approx.) pounds RAW FRESH GROUND BEEF 80/20 Put entire amount into a skillet that has a lid Now add ALL of this below to that - 1 packet of LAWRY's Taco Seasoning & 1 Tablespoon of TONE's Taco Seasoning for 1 LB. For 2 LBS. add 2 packets of LAWRY's & 2 Tablespoons of TONE's Add 1 Tablespoon of tomato paste for 1 LB. For 2 LBS. add 2 Tablespoons of tomato paste Add 3/4 cup water for 1 LB. (adding more as necessary) For 2 LBS. add 1 1/4 cup water Add 1 heaping Tablespoon of dried minced onion for 1 LB. For 2 LBS. add 2 heaping Tablespoons of minced dried onion Add 1/4 cup of buttermilk (OR in a 1/4 cup put 3/4 milk to 1/4 white vinegar) to 1 LB. For 2 LBS. use 1/2 cup Add 1/4 teaspoon of MSG for 1 LB. or 1/2 teaspoon of MSG for 2 LBS.

Remember you can use approximate packs of ground beef like 1.21 lbs. 2.35 lbs. etc. etc. NOW start the cooking ! You want to non-stop chop with a spatula (metal preferred) the ground beef so it ends up being TINY little pieces. Start the heat on MEDIUM to get going, then as beef starts to brown, lower heat to SIMMER with lid later. For a while you will be CHOPPING & MIXING constantly. Goal is to blend all ingredients THOROUGHLY without leaving any clumps. Just keep mixing chopping stirring. ADD more water if necessary ! Never let beef dry or burn ! Add more water if needed. Then when meat gets all brown. SIMMER covered on LOW. Then check continuously as it simmers to make sure it stays with enough liquid. Here is the SECRET to knowing when it is ready. You will see the MAGIC orangy/red OIL start floating on surface ! That is when it is done ! Leave the oil DO NOT DRAIN ! Takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Then ENJOY ! It stays in fridge a LONG TIME ! I ate mine for more than a week. Just heat up the portion again

submitted by /u/johnnyhottub
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