Ground Beef Tacos

Ground Beef Tacos are a timeless, crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick to make and endlessly customizable. With savory, well-seasoned ground beef tucked into warm tortillas and topped with your favorite fixings, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or a festive taco night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
• Made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients
• Full of bold, savory flavor
• Perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Works with corn or flour tortillas
• Great leftover potential
• No taco seasoning packets needed
• Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (85–90% lean recommended)
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Tomato paste
• Water
• Small tortillas (corn or flour)
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned (about 6–8 minutes).
2. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix in tomato paste and water, stirring to coat the beef. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. While beef simmers, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
6. Assemble the tacos: fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of beef and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 (makes 8 tacos)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy taco meat: Stir in shredded cheese at the end for a melt-in mix.
• Spicy beef: Add chipotle chili powder or a splash of hot sauce.
• Tex-Mex style: Add a can of drained black beans or corn.
• Lettuce wraps: Serve in romaine leaves for a low-carb version.
• Breakfast tacos: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns.
• Street taco style: Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the taco meat in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes! Just adjust the seasoning slightly, as turkey and chicken are milder.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Both corn and flour tortillas work great—use what you prefer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the beef mixture and refrigerate it, then reheat and assemble tacos when ready to serve.

How do I make the tacos crispy?

Pan-fry the filled tacos in a bit of oil until golden on both sides.

What cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are great choices.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes—just skip the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and check that your spices and tomato paste are gluten-free.

What sides go well with tacos?

Try Mexican rice, black beans, street corn, or chips with guacamole or salsa.

How can I stretch the beef to serve more people?

Add beans, rice, or sautéed veggies to the beef mixture.

What’s the best way to serve for a party?

Set up a taco bar with tortillas, beef, and toppings so guests can build their own.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Tacos are a classic for a reason—easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a weekend get-together, these tacos come together quickly and satisfy every time. Make them your own with fun toppings, sides, and variations—they’re sure to be a regular on your dinner table.

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