Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

Add the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the onions soften and become translucent.

Mix in the Spices:
Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.

Add Tomato Paste and Water:
Stir in the tomato paste, and then add the water a little bit at a time, stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The sauce should be thick but pourable. Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Taste and Adjust:
Taste the meat and adjust seasoning if necessary (adding more salt, chili powder, or cumin as desired).

Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Taco Bell-inspired meat in taco shells, burritos, nachos, or as a topping for salads. Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell experience!