The irresistible smell of chili powder–spiced ground beef and frying onions announces “Taco Night” for countless families. This crowd-pleasing mixture has been a Mexican-American restaurant staple for nearly a century. For other ground meat mixtures to fill tacos and burritos with, see Picadillo as well as Fresh Chorizo Sausage.

Heat in a medium skillet over medium heat:

Add and cook, stirring often, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes:

Increase the heat to medium-high, add and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes:

Add and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds:

Add, reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes:

Season to taste with:

Use as a filling for Tacos and Burritos, as a topping for Nachos, or let the meat cool and use it to stuff Chiles Rellenos.