Easy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThese Ground Beef Tacos are packed full of flavor and so satisfying. This recipe has the perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for any taco night. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun meal with friends, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.
I love making these Ground Beef Tacos because they’re quick (ready in 30 minutes), super customizable, and always a hit with everyone—kids included. Whether I’m pulling together a weeknight dinner, Cinco de Mayo, or feeding a crowd, they’re easy, affordable, and fun to build with whatever toppings we’re in the mood for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend using a solid chef’s knife to prep your onions and tomatoes—makes it faster and way less frustrating.
How to make Ground Beef Tacos with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making ground beef tacos is straightforward and simple. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life in your kitchen:
Cook the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I prefer using this deep one because it prevents spills from escaping the sides.
Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or I like using a heatproof silicone spatula so nothing sticks and cleanup’s easy.
Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a healthier result.
Add Flavors
Turn down the heat to medium-low, then stir in your taco seasoning mix, tomato paste, and water. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Prepare to Serve
Take the skillet off the heat. Warm your corn tortillas or taco shells and fill them with the beef mixture. I usually do this on a cast iron skillet so they heat evenly and get a little extra crispness.
Add Toppings
Finish your tacos with a selection of toppings like lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded Mexican cheese, and chopped red onions.
Add some avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole and sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.
If you’re serving a crowd, taco holders make everything look neat and help keep toppings from spilling.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To help you make the best ground beef tacos, here are some tips and tricks:
- Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
- Seasoning: Don’t shy away from adjusting the taco seasoning to match your taste. More cumin or chili powder can really amp up the flavor.
- Cheese: While Mexican cheese blend is recommended, feel free to experiment with other types like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Extra Heat: If you like your tacos spicy, adding a bit of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture can kick up the heat.
- Keto option: For a low-carb alternative, skip the tortillas and serve the taco filling in lettuce wraps. You’ll get all the flavor without the carbs!
How to Store Leftover Ground Beef Tacos
Storing leftovers properly means you can enjoy your ground beef tacos for another meal!
Start by letting the cooked meat cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. I love using glass storage containers so I can see everything in the fridge and pop them straight into the microwave.
Keep the taco components separate by storing the beef, tortillas, and toppings individually to prevent them from getting soggy. The beef will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw frozen meat in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Warm the tortillas separately and assemble the tacos just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Making ground beef tacos doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are three tips to keep your taco night as affordable as it is delicious:
- Limit Meat: Use less meat and bulk up your tacos with beans or rice to make your beef go further.
- Simplify Toppings: Stick to a few simple toppings. Sometimes less is more, and it’s cheaper!
- Tortilla Options: Corn tortillas are usually less expensive than flour ones and they add a traditional touch.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos
Choosing the right sides and extras can turn your taco night into a filling meal. Here’s what works well with ground beef tacos:
Traditional Sides
A classic combo, serving rice and beans alongside your tacos adds texture and rounds out the meal. You can go with a simple Mexican rice or try cilantro lime rice for a fresh twist. For beans, try refried beans or a simple black bean salad.
If you’re extra hungry, try them alongside Shiner Bock beer fajitas, which are so good!
Salad Ideas
Add some color and crunch with a vibrant corn salad or a tangy coleslaw. These sides are easy to whip up and add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the tacos.
Dips and Chips
Serve a homemade guacamole and a salsa—whether it’s a classic tomato salsa, salsa verde, or something a bit fruitier like mango salsa. Don’t forget the homemade tortilla chips for dipping!
More Mexican Recipes You Will Love
If you love Mexican food as much as I do, you should take a look at hese delicious recipes.
- Taco Casserole Recipe
- Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
- Taco Salad Cups Recipe
- Chipotle Sauce Recipe
- Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water
For the taco seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For serving the tacos:
- 8 corn tortillas
- Lettuce finely chopped
- Mexican cheese blend shredded
- Tomatoes chopped
- Red onion chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all the taco seasoning spices. Set aside.2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound lean ground beef
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the taco seasoning mix, tomato paste, and water to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.2 tablespoons tomato paste, ½ cup water
- Remove the beef mixture from heat and keep it warm.
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture into warmed tortillas or taco shells.8 corn tortillas
- Top the tacos with your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, red onion, avocado, or your other favorite toppings.Lettuce, Mexican cheese blend, Tomatoes, Red onion
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
- Seasoning: Don’t shy away from adjusting the taco seasoning to match your taste. More cumin or chili powder can really amp up the flavor.
- Cheese: While Mexican cheese blend is recommended, feel free to experiment with other types like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Extra Heat: If you like your tacos spicy, adding a bit of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture can kick up the heat.
- Keto option: For a low-carb alternative, skip the tortillas and serve the taco filling in lettuce wraps. You’ll get all the flavor without the carbs!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cool and Airtight: Allow the cooked taco meat to cool completely before you pack it away in an airtight container.
- Separate Components: Store the beef mixture separately from your tortillas and toppings to keep everything fresh.
- Refrigerate: Properly stored, the tacos will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Cool it down, pack it in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Quick Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the beef in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave. Warm your tortillas separately and assemble your tacos fresh.
