Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are a timeless favorite, ideal for those nights when you need something quick but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Whether you're feeding the family, hosting friends for a casual dinner, or just craving something fun to eat, tacos hit the spot every time. This recipe combines juicy seasoned beef with crispy taco shells or soft tortillas, then gets piled high with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. It’s an easy meal that everyone can customize to their liking, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Ground Beef Tacos Are a Must-Have in Your Meal Rotation
There are so many reasons why ground beef tacos should be on your weekly menu. Here’s what makes them so special:
- Fast and Simple: You can whip these tacos up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time.
- Endlessly Customizable: You can tailor these tacos to your preferences—whether you like extra heat, more veggies, or prefer soft over crunchy shells.
- Loved by All Ages: Kids and adults alike will love making and eating these tacos. Let everyone choose their own toppings for an interactive meal.
- Affordable: Ground beef is a cost-effective protein option, and you only need a few other basic ingredients to pull the dish together.
- Great for Meal Prep: Cook the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. That way, you can enjoy tacos any time without the hassle.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef for the Best Flavor
The quality of your ground beef is crucial to making tacos that burst with flavor. Look for ground beef that is 80% lean and 20% fat—this balance keeps the meat juicy and full of flavor without being greasy. If you opt for leaner ground beef, say 85% or 90%, be aware that it might dry out more easily, so consider adding a splash of oil while cooking. If you’re watching your red meat intake, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives and still enjoy delicious tacos.
How to Season Ground Beef for Tacos
Seasoning is where the magic happens. You can certainly grab a packet of store-bought taco seasoning, but if you want to elevate the dish, try mixing your own spice blend. This way, you can control the flavors and customize the heat to your liking. Here’s a quick taco seasoning mix:
- Chili powder: Provides that deep, rich flavor tacos are known for.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note.
- Paprika: Offers a bit of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic powder: Brings savory depth to the beef.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle sharpness.
- Oregano: Adds a little freshness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper: To bring everything together.
- Cayenne or red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick if you like it hot.
Mix these spices together, and you’ll have a flavorful seasoning blend that’s easy to make and store for future taco nights.
Cooking the Ground Beef to Perfection
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink in the center—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. If you’re using a fattier ground beef, you may need to drain some of the excess fat from the skillet before adding your seasoning.
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in your homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought if that’s what you’re using) and a bit of water. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes, so the beef absorbs all those wonderful flavors. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This step is key to ensuring every bite of your tacos is packed with flavor.
Soft Tortillas vs. Crunchy Taco Shells: Which is Better?
The great taco debate: soft or crunchy? Fortunately, you don’t have to choose—you can go with whichever you’re in the mood for!
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Soft Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas offer a tender, chewy texture. They’re easy to fold and hold all your fillings together. Simply warm them in a hot pan or in the oven wrapped in foil before serving.
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Crunchy Taco Shells: If you crave that irresistible crunch, hard taco shells are your best bet. The crispy texture adds a satisfying contrast to the tender ground beef and toppings. You can find pre-made crunchy shells at the store or make your own by baking corn tortillas in the oven until they’re crisp.
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Tacos
One of the best things about tacos is the endless topping possibilities. Here are some classic options, plus a few creative ideas to take your ground beef tacos to the next level:
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, they’re a must-have.
- Onions: Whether you prefer them raw, sautéed, or pickled, onions bring sharp flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
- Shredded cheese: Melted cheese like cheddar or a Mexican blend is essential for a rich, creamy bite.
- Avocado or guacamole: Adds a creamy, buttery texture.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream balances out the heat with its cool, tangy flavor.
- Jalapeños: For a spicy punch, add fresh or pickled jalapeños.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A fresh, zesty salsa brings brightness to each bite.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like it fiery, a dash of your favorite hot sauce does the trick.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your perfect taco experience!
What to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos
To round out your meal, consider serving your tacos with some traditional Mexican-inspired sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Mexican rice: A classic side dish that’s flavorful and hearty.
- Refried beans: Creamy and satisfying, refried beans pair perfectly with tacos.
- Chips and salsa: For a crunchy side, you can’t go wrong with tortilla chips and a variety of salsas.
- Elote (Mexican street corn): Grilled corn slathered in a creamy sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and dusted with spices makes a delicious companion to tacos.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Tacos
- Don’t skimp on seasoning: Season your beef generously for maximum flavor.
- Warm the shells or tortillas: This simple step enhances both the texture and flavor of your tacos.
- Prepare toppings ahead of time: Have your toppings ready to go for quick assembly.
- Avoid overfilling: It’s tempting to pile on the toppings, but keeping it balanced ensures your tacos are easier to eat.
- Get creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings, sauces, or even different types of taco shells.
Conclusion
Ground beef tacos are an easy and delicious solution for any meal. With savory, seasoned beef and an array of toppings, this dish is versatile, quick, and fun to make. Whether you’re enjoying a casual taco night with the family or serving them at a gathering, these tacos are guaranteed to please everyone. So gather your ingredients, heat up those tortillas or taco shells, and enjoy taco night at its finest!
Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare the taco seasoning mixing together all the ingredients and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat into smaller chunks, until it is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the taco seasoning, cook for about 30 seconds and then add the tomato sauce and jalapeno. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 30 seconds on each side.
Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and top with your preferred toppings.
Garnish the easy ground beef tacos with chopped cilantro, lime wedges and serve!
8 servings
1 taco
- Amount per serving
- Calories233
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.3g12%
- Total Carbohydrate 15.6g6%
- Dietary Fiber 8.1g29%
- Total Sugars 1.4g
- Protein 20.9g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ground Beef Tacos is one of many healthy recipe ideas that you can find on our recipe page.
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Ingredients
Directions
Prepare the taco seasoning mixing together all the ingredients and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat into smaller chunks, until it is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the taco seasoning, cook for about 30 seconds and then add the tomato sauce and jalapeno. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 30 seconds on each side.
Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and top with your preferred toppings.
Garnish the easy ground beef tacos with chopped cilantro, lime wedges and serve!
