One busy weeknight, I needed a quick and satisfying dinner that didn’t require much effort. I had some ground beef in the fridge and a pack of taco shells in the pantry, so I threw everything together, added some seasoning, and within minutes, I had a meal my family couldn’t get enough of.
Now, ground beef tacos are one of my go-to meals. They’re simple, flavorful, and easy to customize with different toppings. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a taco night with friends, this recipe is always a hit.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 25mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I first learned how to make tacos from a friend who made them at every gathering. She kept the seasoning simple but flavorful, and I loved how easy they were to prepare. Over time, I tweaked the recipe to get the perfect balance of spices and make it my own.
Why Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are perfect because they’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and easy to customize. You can keep them simple with just beef and cheese or load them up with fresh toppings for extra crunch and freshness. Plus, they’re great for feeding a crowd without much hassle.
What Is Ground Beef Tacos Made Of?
These tacos are made with basic, easy-to-find ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- Onion and garlic
- Tomato paste
- Water or beef broth (to blend the seasonings)
- Taco shells (hard or soft)
- Toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa
What to Have with Ground Beef Tacos
Here are some great side dishes to serve with tacos:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that pairs perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans make a great addition to taco night.
- Guacamole: Fresh and creamy avocado dip adds richness.
- Corn Salad: A bright, refreshing side with lime and cilantro.
- Chips and Salsa: The perfect snack to go with tacos.
Is Ground Beef Tacos Healthy?
Ground beef tacos can be a healthy meal, especially if you use lean ground beef and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Choosing whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour can also make them a lighter option.
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- Toppings (optional): Lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the Onion and Garlic:
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Season the Meat:
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the water or beef broth and mix well.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat and let the meat simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions.
- Fill each shell with the seasoned beef and your favorite toppings.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Tips
- For extra flavor, let the beef mixture simmer longer to deepen the taste.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Heat soft tortillas in a dry skillet for a slight crisp and better texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The taco meat can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze the cooked taco meat?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat taco meat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
Ground beef tacos are an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. They’re packed with flavor, quick to make, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a taco party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and enjoy!
MORE RECIPES
Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- Toppings (optional): Lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the water or beef broth and mix well.
- Reduce the heat and let the meat simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions.
- Fill each shell with the seasoned beef and your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides.