This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
Ground beef sizzling in a skillet is so comforting. It fills the kitchen with a yummy smell. Taco night is always exciting, even on a busy week.
Imagine it’s a crazy Tuesday evening. The kids are doing homework, and time is running out. But, ground beef tacos can save the day. They’re quick to make and loved by all, with a mix of toppings.
Homemade tacos are more than just a meal. They let everyone get creative with toppings and flavors. From crunchy shells to fresh veggies, each taco is a special treat. So, let’s get ready to make delicious ground beef tacos together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ground beef tacos can be prepared in about 15 minutes.
- Each serving offers approximately 711 calories – perfect for a filling family meal.
- Taco night encourages family involvement and can become a cherished weekly tradition.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need:
Ground Beef – For the best taste and texture, pick the right meat. A mix of 80% lean to 20% fat is perfect. This makes the meat juicy but not too greasy. One pound of ground beef makes about four tacos. Each taco has two tablespoons of beef.
Spices – Homemade taco seasoning lets you control the flavor. Use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano. These spices make the beef taste great.
Tortillas – white corn tortillas fry up perfectly to make a crisp taco shell. If you would prefer you could use flour tortillas and not fry them. I would recommend using tortillas that are 6 inches.
Tomato Sauce – grab any kind of canned, pureed tomato sauce. Or if you want more spice you could use a thick salsa instead.
Oil – this is used for frying up the tortillas. Use either a canola or a vegetable oil.
Step by Step Instructions
To make a yummy Ground Beef Tacos , follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Mix Taco Seasoning
Brown the ground beef thoroughly in a skillet, then drain any excess grease. Return the skillet to the stove, reduce the heat, and mix in homemade taco seasoning along with a small amount of tomato sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat
Let the taco meat simmer briefly in the sauce to enhance its flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Corn Tortillas
Heat a small amount of oil in a medium-sized skillet and fry the corn tortillas on both sides. Once fried, remove them from the skillet and fold them in half to create the taco shape.
Step 4: Fill the Tacos & Enjoy
Fill the prepared taco shells with the seasoned beef and your choice of toppings. Serve & Enjoy.
Tips for Avoiding Dry Taco Meat
Use the Right Fat Content: Choose ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for juicy taco meat. Leaner beef can dry out quickly during cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Meat: Cook ground beef just until it’s browned and no longer pink. Overcooking will evaporate too much moisture, leaving the meat dry.
Add Liquids: Incorporate broth, tomato sauce, or even water when adding taco seasoning. This helps the spices blend and keeps the meat moist.
Simmer with a Lid: After seasoning, let the meat simmer on low heat with a lid on. This prevents moisture loss and enhances flavor.
Creative Variations
Spicy Chipotle Beef Tacos: Add minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your ground beef while cooking for a smoky, spicy flavor. Top with avocado and sour cream to balance the heat.
Cheesy Beef Queso Tacos: Mix your ground beef with melted queso cheese and spoon it into tacos. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top for gooey goodness.
Korean Beef Tacos: Season ground beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for an Asian twist. Garnish with kimchi, shredded carrots, and green onions.
Beef and Bean Crunch Tacos: Combine seasoned ground beef with refried beans for a hearty filling. Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Mexican Rice and Beans: Serve tacos with classic Mexican sides such as cilantro-lime rice and black or refried beans for a full, satisfying meal.
Mini Tacos for Appetizers: Use mini taco shells or cut regular tortillas into smaller circles to make bite-sized tacos. These are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Taco Salad Bowl: Skip the taco shells and serve the beef and toppings over a bed of lettuce. Add crushed tortilla chips for texture and a drizzle of creamy salsa dressing.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store the Filling Separately: Keep the cooked ground beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store taco shells and toppings separately to prevent sogginess.
Reheat Gently on the Stovetop: Warm the beef filling on low heat in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out while reheating.
Freezing Option: Cooked ground beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portioned bags. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Microwave Reheating: For a quick option, reheat the beef in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel, to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Beef: Cooking ground beef too long can make it dry and crumbly. Cook just until browned and no pink remains, then remove from heat.
Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season the beef properly results in bland tacos. Use taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for bold flavor.
Overloading the Tacos: Adding too much filling or toppings can make the tacos difficult to eat and messy. Keep portions balanced to ensure easy handling.
Using Stale Taco Shells: Always check the freshness of taco shells. Stale or soggy shells can ruin the texture and overall experience. Warm them in the oven for extra crispness.
Tasty Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1//2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp Mexican oregano
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (or thick salsa for extra spice)
- 6 white corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease, return the beef to the skillet, and reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, Mexican oregano, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Let the beef mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until crispy but pliable. Remove from the skillet and fold each tortilla in half to create a taco shape.
- Fill each taco shell with 2 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, or sour cream.
- Serve the tacos immediately while warm. Pair with rice, beans, or chips and salsa for a complete meal!
Video
Notes
- If you prefer soft tacos, skip frying the tortillas and warm them in a skillet instead.
- Make ahead: Cook the taco meat and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Add a kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the taco meat for extra heat.
FAQ’s
Are there healthier alternatives to ground beef tacos?
Yes! Try ground turkey or plant-based proteins like lentils or black beans. You can also use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
How can I make taco night more fun for my family?
Set up a DIY taco bar. Offer many toppings and proteins. Let everyone make their tacos their way.
What sides pair well with ground beef tacos?
Serve tacos with Mexican rice, refried beans, or corn salsa. Fresh lime wedges add extra flavor.
Can ground beef tacos be made vegetarian?
Yes! Use mushrooms, bell peppers, or black beans instead of ground beef. This makes tasty vegetarian tacos.
This post is all about Ground Beef Tacos Recipe.
Other Posts which you may like : –
Leave a Reply