Ground beef tacos are a fun and tasty meal that’s easy to whip up! You just need some seasoned beef, soft or crunchy tortillas, and your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
Who doesn’t love a good taco night? I pile on the toppings and get a little messy, but that’s half the fun! 🎉 Just 30 minutes and you’re enjoying a delicious dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! I generally use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. They cook up well and save on calories.
Olive Oil: While it’s optional, I prefer to add a touch of olive oil, especially if using low-fat beef. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil works nicely too. Just remember, if you use fatty beef, you can skip this step.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is convenient but homemade is easy too! If you’re out of spices, try using ranch dressing mix or a bit of salsa for flavor. Personal note: I love adding a pinch of cayenne for a kick!
Taco Shells: Whether you prefer crunchy or soft, the choice is yours! Corn tortillas are a gluten-free option. If you want a healthier alternative, you can even use lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.
How Do You Get the Ground Beef Perfectly Browned?
Browning ground beef is essential for depth of flavor. To do this right, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. Heat it to medium-high to get that nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re cooking more than a pound, do it in batches. This prevents steaming.
- Once in the skillet, let it cook without stirring for a few minutes. This helps it brown before breaking it up.
- Remember to drain excess fat afterward if you’re using a higher fat content beef—this keeps the tacos from being greasy.
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
- 1/2 cup water
For the Tacos:
- Taco shells (soft or hard)
For the Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking, making it a total of 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat if you are using it. If your ground beef is lean (90% or more), you can skip the oil since the fat from the beef will be enough. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells good.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and keep stirring until it’s browned and there’s no pink left, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If you see excess fat, drain it off carefully to avoid any splashes.
3. Add Spices and Simmer:
Now, it’s time for flavor! Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in the water. Stir everything together until the seasoning is well mixed in. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend and the sauce gets a little thicker.
4. Prepare Taco Shells:
While your beef is simmering, get your taco shells ready. Follow the package instructions to prepare them; if you’re using hard shells, you might need to bake them in the oven for a bit to make them crispy.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Once the beef mixture is done, scoop it into the taco shells. Now, the fun part! Top each taco with your favorites—shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Serve up those delicious ground beef tacos right away, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will still result in delicious tacos. Just be aware that ground turkey can be slightly drier, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or broth while cooking to keep it moist!
How Can I Store Leftover Taco Filling?
Leftover taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
If you’re out of taco seasoning, you can make your own using common spices. Combine 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for a quick and easy homemade blend!
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Yes! To make vegetarian tacos, you can substitute the ground beef with ingredients like black beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Cook them the same way you would the beef, adding any spices or sauces to enhance the flavor!
