Ground Beef Taco Meat

2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice, from 1 lime

In a medium bowl, mash the beef with the baking soda and salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Do not brown. Add the beef, chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring constantly and breaking meat up with a wooden spoon, until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, water, sugar, and lime juice; bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat, until the liquid has reduced and thickened (the mixture should not be completely dry), 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.