Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground Beef Tacos are a classic weeknight dinner favorite—quick, easy, and bursting with bold flavor. Juicy, seasoned ground beef is tucked into warm tortillas and topped with all your favorite fixings. Whether you go traditional or load them up with extras, these tacos are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for taco night.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
lean ground beeftaco seasonondiced onionminced garlictomato paste or sauceolive oilwatercorn or flour tortillastoppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges)
directions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste or sauce, and a splash of water. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
Spoon seasoned beef into tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8–10 tacos.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture.
Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce.
Try hard shell tacos for extra crunch.
Top with pickled onions or salsa verde for a flavor boost.
storage/reheating
Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.Taco meat can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What type of ground beef works best?
Lean ground beef (85–90%) is ideal—flavorful but not too greasy.
Can I make the taco seasoning at home?
Yes! Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
Are corn or flour tortillas better?
Both work—choose based on your preference. Corn is more traditional, flour is softer.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, make the beef mixture in advance and reheat before serving.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—let kids customize their own tacos with toppings they love.
What sides go well with tacos?
Mexican rice, refried beans, chips and salsa, or a fresh salad are all great choices.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Tacos are a quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable meal that never goes out of style. With a savory beef filling and your choice of toppings, they’re perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a taco party, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
PrintGround Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Ground Beef Tacos are a classic, quick, and flavorful meal featuring seasoned beef, crunchy taco shells, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or taco night with the family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup salsa or hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Assemble tacos by spooning beef mixture into shells and topping with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and any other desired toppings.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges and cilantro.
Notes
- For spicier tacos, add chopped jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- Make it a taco bar with assorted toppings for easy entertaining.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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