How to Cook the BEST Taco Meat on a Blackstone Griddle

Tacos are a beloved staple in many households, known for their versatility and deliciousness. While traditional stovetop cooking is common, the Blackstone griddle offers a unique and flavorful way to prepare taco meat. This method allows for even cooking, enhanced browning, and an overall improved taste. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook perfect taco meat on your Blackstone griddle.

Table of Contents

Why Use a Blackstone Griddle for Taco Meat?

The Blackstone griddle isn’t just for pancakes and burgers; it’s a fantastic tool for cooking taco meat. The large, flat surface provides consistent heat distribution, which prevents hot spots and ensures that the meat cooks evenly. This results in more flavorful and tender taco meat.

One of the biggest advantages is the enhanced browning, or Maillard reaction, that occurs on a griddle. This process creates complex flavors that are impossible to achieve in a pot or pan. The griddle also allows you to easily manage the grease, keeping your taco meat from becoming soggy. The wide surface area also enables cooking large batches of taco meat simultaneously, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Essential Ingredients for Griddle-Cooked Taco Meat

The quality of your ingredients is crucial for great-tasting taco meat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ground Meat: Opt for ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but be mindful of dryness and adjust cooking times accordingly. High-quality ground meat is essential for the best results.
Taco Seasoning: You can use pre-made taco seasoning or create your own blend. A homemade blend allows you to control the sodium and spice levels. Common spices include chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are foundational for any good taco meat. Yellow or white onions work well, and fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor.
Bell Pepper (Optional): Diced bell peppers add sweetness and texture to your taco meat. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are all great choices.
Tomato Paste or Sauce: A small amount of tomato paste or sauce adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Beef Broth or Water: This helps to deglaze the griddle and adds moisture to the meat.
Oil: A high-heat cooking oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil is necessary to prevent the meat from sticking to the griddle. Using the right oil is key to preventing sticking.

Prepping Your Blackstone Griddle and Ingredients

Preparation is key to a smooth and efficient cooking process. Before you even think about turning on your griddle, make sure you’ve got everything ready.

First, clean your Blackstone griddle thoroughly. Remove any debris or residue from previous cooking sessions. A scraper tool is very helpful for this. Lightly oil the griddle surface with your chosen cooking oil. This will prevent the meat from sticking and make cleanup easier. Ensure your griddle is properly seasoned; a well-seasoned griddle is naturally non-stick.

Next, chop your onion and bell pepper (if using) into small, uniform pieces. Mince your garlic. Measure out your taco seasoning and have it ready to go. Have your beef broth or water readily available. This will streamline the cooking process once you’re at the griddle. Having all your ingredients prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Taco Meat on a Blackstone Griddle

Now, let’s get into the actual cooking process. Follow these steps for perfect taco meat every time.

Preheat the Griddle: Turn on your Blackstone griddle and set the burners to medium-high heat. Allow the griddle to preheat for about 5-10 minutes, until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add a tablespoon or two of cooking oil to the griddle. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the bell peppers are slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Sautéing the aromatics first builds a flavorful base for the taco meat.
Cook the Ground Meat: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the griddle. Add the ground meat to the other side. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. Spread the meat out evenly across the griddle surface. This promotes even browning. Cook the meat, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides. Breaking the meat into small pieces ensures even cooking and browning.
Drain Excess Grease: Use a scraper or spatula to push the cooked meat to one side of the griddle. Tilt the griddle slightly to allow the excess grease to drain into the grease trap. This is a key step in preventing soggy taco meat. Removing excess grease is essential for preventing soggy taco meat.
Add Taco Seasoning and Liquids: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat. Add the tomato paste or sauce. Pour in a small amount of beef broth or water (about 1/4 cup). Stir everything together well, ensuring that the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning. Evenly coating the meat with seasoning is crucial for consistent flavor.
Simmer and Reduce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the taco meat to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce, creating a richer, more concentrated flavor. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce, resulting in a more flavorful taco meat.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the taco meat and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more taco seasoning for a spicier flavor, or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Blackstone griddle taco meat is now ready to serve! Keep it warm on the griddle on low heat until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Blackstone Taco Meat

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve taco meat perfection on your Blackstone griddle:

Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: If you’re cooking a large batch of taco meat, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the griddle. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and prevent the meat from browning properly.
Use a Griddle Scraper: A griddle scraper is your best friend for cleaning and maintaining your Blackstone griddle. Use it to scrape off any stuck-on food and grease.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your taco meat generously. Taco seasoning is the key to that authentic taco flavor.
Experiment with Different Meats: While ground beef is the most common choice, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo for a unique twist.
Add Some Heat: For a spicier taco meat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno to the mixture.
Keep it Warm: If you’re not serving the taco meat immediately, keep it warm on the griddle on low heat or in a slow cooker.
Get Creative with Toppings: Once the meat is ready, get creative with your taco toppings! Consider options like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and hot sauce.

Adapting the Recipe: Variations and Substitutions

Taco meat is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to adapt this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Spicy Taco Meat: Add a diced jalapeno pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat while it’s cooking. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning blend.
Chicken or Turkey Taco Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey. These leaner options cook more quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. When using leaner meats, consider adding a little extra oil to prevent sticking.
Vegetarian Taco Meat: Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Be sure to drain the tofu well before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Chorizo Taco Meat: Add chorizo to the ground beef for a smoky and spicy flavor. You can use Mexican chorizo (which is fresh and needs to be cooked) or Spanish chorizo (which is cured and can be eaten as is).
Sweet Potato Taco Meat: Add diced sweet potato to the meat for a touch of sweetness and added nutrients. Cook the sweet potato until it is tender before adding the taco seasoning.

Serving Suggestions for Your Griddle-Cooked Taco Meat

Of course, the most obvious way to serve your Blackstone griddle taco meat is in tacos! But there are many other delicious ways to enjoy it:

Taco Salad: Serve the taco meat over a bed of lettuce with your favorite taco toppings, such as cheese, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and guacamole.
Taco Bowls: Layer the taco meat with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings in a bowl.
Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with taco meat, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with taco meat, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and grill until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of taco meat, rice, and cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
Taco Pizza: Spread taco meat over pizza dough, top with cheese and your favorite taco toppings, and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle After Cooking Taco Meat

Properly cleaning your Blackstone griddle after cooking taco meat is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity.

Scrape Off Excess Food: While the griddle is still warm, use a griddle scraper to remove any excess food and grease.
Pour Water on the Griddle: Pour a small amount of water (about 1/2 cup) onto the hot griddle. This will create steam that helps to loosen any remaining food particles.
Scrub the Griddle: Use a grill brush or scraper to scrub the griddle surface.
Wipe Clean: Wipe the griddle clean with a paper towel or cloth.
Oil the Griddle: Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle surface to prevent rust.
Turn Off the Griddle: Turn off the griddle and allow it to cool completely.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Blackstone griddle stays in good condition for years to come. Regular cleaning and oiling are key to maintaining your Blackstone griddle.

What makes cooking taco meat on a Blackstone griddle better than on the stovetop?

Cooking taco meat on a Blackstone griddle offers several advantages over traditional stovetop methods. The griddle’s large, flat surface allows for even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that can lead to burning or uneven cooking. This results in uniformly browned and flavorful meat throughout the entire batch, something that’s often difficult to achieve in a skillet.

Furthermore, the griddle’s expansive space enables you to cook a larger quantity of taco meat simultaneously, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. The open surface also allows excess grease to drain away easily, leading to healthier and less greasy taco meat. Cleanup is often quicker and easier as well, since you’re working with one large surface instead of multiple pans.

What type of ground meat works best for tacos on a Blackstone griddle?

The best type of ground meat for tacos on a Blackstone griddle is a matter of personal preference, but lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) generally yields the best results. The higher fat content contributes to the flavor and keeps the meat from drying out excessively on the hot griddle surface. However, don’t go too high with the fat content (like 70/30) as it will create too much grease, potentially leading to flare-ups and difficulty managing the cooking process.

Alternative options include ground turkey or ground chicken. These are leaner choices, so consider adding a little oil to the griddle before cooking to prevent sticking and dryness. You can also experiment with a mixture of ground beef and ground turkey or chicken for a balanced flavor and fat content. Regardless of your choice, ensure the meat is fresh and of good quality for the best tasting tacos.

What temperature should my Blackstone griddle be for cooking taco meat?

The ideal temperature for cooking taco meat on a Blackstone griddle is medium-high heat, typically around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range allows the meat to brown nicely without burning and ensures it cooks through evenly in a reasonable amount of time. Using an infrared thermometer is helpful to gauge the surface temperature accurately.

It’s important to preheat the griddle thoroughly before adding the meat. A properly preheated surface will sear the meat on contact, locking in the juices and enhancing the flavor. Adjust the heat as needed during cooking to prevent burning or excessive smoking. If the meat is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. If it’s taking too long to brown, you may need to increase the heat a bit.

What seasonings should I use for taco meat on a Blackstone griddle?

The seasoning blend for taco meat is crucial for achieving that authentic taco flavor. A classic combination typically includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the ratios to your liking, increasing the chili powder for more heat or adding a touch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Consider using a pre-made taco seasoning mix if you prefer convenience. However, making your own blend allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor profile. Some cooks also like to add a little brown sugar or smoked paprika for depth and complexity. Regardless of your chosen blend, remember to season the meat generously and taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect flavor.

How long does it take to cook taco meat on a Blackstone griddle?

The cooking time for taco meat on a Blackstone griddle depends on the thickness of the meat layer, the temperature of the griddle, and the type of meat used. Generally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook ground beef thoroughly. Ground turkey or chicken may cook slightly faster due to their lower fat content.

Keep a close eye on the meat as it cooks. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces and stir it frequently to ensure even cooking. The meat is done when it is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef and 165°F for ground turkey or chicken.

How do I prevent taco meat from drying out on the Blackstone griddle?

Preventing taco meat from drying out on a Blackstone griddle involves a few key strategies. First, avoid overcooking the meat. Once it’s cooked through, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent it from becoming dry and crumbly. Using a slightly higher fat content meat (80/20 or 85/15 ground beef) can also help retain moisture.

Adding a small amount of liquid towards the end of the cooking process can also keep the meat moist. This could be a splash of beef broth, water, tomato sauce, or even beer. Stir the liquid into the meat and let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavor. Remember that removing the taco meat from the griddle as soon as it is done is critical to preventing excessive dryness.

What are some tips for easy cleanup after cooking taco meat on the Blackstone griddle?

Cleaning your Blackstone griddle after cooking taco meat is generally straightforward. Start by scraping off any excess food debris with a metal spatula. Then, pour a small amount of water onto the hot griddle surface and use the spatula to steam clean it. The steam will loosen any remaining residue, making it easier to scrape off.

Once the griddle is clean, wipe it down with a paper towel or clean cloth. To prevent rusting, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface while it’s still slightly warm. This creates a protective barrier that will keep your griddle in good condition for future use. Regular seasoning of the griddle will also make cleanup easier over time.