Forget the taco seasoning packets, water, and ground beef combo. This ground beef taco recipe is the best. You’ll have delicious tacos in the same amount of time, but they will taste so much better! Everyone will love them.
This is the best beef taco recipe
I’m confident when I say this is the best ground beef taco recipe. This is packed with flavor that you won’t find in the packet and water combo.
One of the best parts is that it’s still ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
While frying your own tortillas may feel daunting, it’s easy! Not only is it simple, but it tastes way better than the store-bought shells. You’ll find yourself never wanting to grab those again.
The fried tortillas can be made before the ground beef is even done cooking. They’re perfectly salty and delicious with the saucy ground beef.
Ingredients for easy ground beef tacos
ground beef – I recommend using 90/10 ground beef in this. You’ll have enough fat to make sure it’s still flavorful without being overly greasy.
onion – I always recommend mincing the onion in this. Especially if you have those in your family who aren’t onion fans. By mincing them, you aren’t biting into chunks of onion and it helps add tons of flavor into the taco meat.
garlic – you can use fresh or the pre-minced kind
ground cumin – Cumin serves as the base for the taco seasoning here.
kosher salt – I always recommend coarse kosher salt or sea salt. Leave the table salt out here.
garlic powder – You’ll be using both minced garlic and garlic powder in here. It gives two different flavors, but is absolutely delicious.
paprika – You can use either standard or smoked paprika for this.
chipotle chili powder – While this recipe is written with chipotle chili powder, standard chili powder works great as well.
dried oregano – Mexican oregano works best, but standard dried oregano is great.
tomato sauce – this is the key to that saucy beef filling! You’re going to be using just the plain canned tomato sauce, NOT pasta sauce or any kind of spiced sauce.
corn tortillas – I personally prefer the white corn tortillas, but you can also use yellow corn for these.
avocado oil – I like using avocado oil because of it’s high smoke point and neutral taste. You could also use any other neutral tasting, high smoke point oil here.
Seasonings for ground beef tacos
The seasoning is the key to having the best ground beef tacos. Leave the bland seasoning packets at the store. You likely have all of the ingredients you need on hand in your spice cabinet.
The big thing here is to make sure that your spices aren’t expired. Simply give them the sniff test. If you can’t smell them, it’s time to replace them!
This taco seasoning uses chipotle chili powder, but you can also use regular chili powder here. Both work great.
Best ground beef for tacos
When it comes to choosing the best ground beef to make tacos, I always recommend going with a 90/10.
By using 90/10, you’ll have enough fat content to still have it full of flavor without it being overly greasy. You may still need to drain any excess grease, but it won’t be much.
If you go with too lean of a cut, it can taste dry and flavorless.
Substitutions and alterations
- tomato sauce – You can use a combination of water and tomato paste and have a very similar result.
- ground beef – You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- smoked ground beef tacos – if you want to make these tacos smokey while still using the stove top, add a dash of liquid smoke.
How to make tacos with ground beef
Making tacos with ground beef is so easy! It’s all in how you season them and the shells you use.
Make the taco meat filling
Cooking taco meat is easy!
- Add the ground beef and minced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté until the ground beef is cooked through and the onion is translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. You don’t want to burn it.
- Add the ground cumin, salt, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and dried oregano. Mix to combine until all of the ground beef is coated.
- Add the tomato sauce and mix to combine. Turn the heat down to a simmer. Let the meat mixture simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Fry the tortillas
- Heat a medium sized skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pour in avocado oil.
- Once the oil is hot (350°F), gently place the tortilla in the oil. Fry the tortilla on each side for about 30 seconds.
- Remove the tortilla from the oil and place it on a paper towel. This will drain the excess oil.
- Carefully fold the tortilla over itself to create the taco shell shape.
- Sprinkle with a little coarse salt if using.
Assemble the tacos
- Add the ground beef mixture to your taco shells.
- Top with your favorite toppings and serve!
How much ground beef per person for tacos
The amount of ground beef you’ll need per person for tacos can vary based on several factors. It’s going to include appetites, whether you’re serving other protein options, and what other fillings and toppings you’re serving.
As a general guideline, you can plan for approximately 1/4 to 1/3 pound of ground beef per person for tacos. This would be assuming you’re serving tacos with a variety of fillings and toppings.
It’s always a good idea to estimate a bit more if you’re unsure. Leftovers can always be used for other meals or frozen.
tips and tricks for this easy beef taco recipe
Mincing the onion finely will help it incorporate into the meat mixture.
It’s important to the turn the heat down to a simmer once you’ve added the tomato sauce. You don’t want to overcook the meat.
how to store and reheat tacos
Make sure the meat has cooled completely and then place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and up to 6 months in the freezer.
To reheat the taco meat, I recommend adding it to a skillet over medium heat with a little water or beef stock.
You can also heat it in the microwave if you’re short on time. Just be careful not to overcook it.
What to serve with ground beef tacos
Ground beef tacos go with a variety of things. It’s always great to serve with a sides but also lots of toppings.
- Guacamole
- Chile con Queso
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- shredded lettuce
- chopped tomatoes
- fresh cilantro
- cilantro lime sauce
- avocado
- pickled red onions
kitchen tools to make ground beef tacos
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Buy Now → FAQs
This recipe doesn’t use water. It uses tomato sauce in the taco meat filling.
If there is excess grease in the ground beef, you will want to drain it before adding taco seasoning.
One pound of ground beef will usually make around 8 standard-sized tacos.
Authentic tacos originating from Mexico, traditionally do not use ground beef as a filling. Instead, they often feature meats such as carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, or various types of seafood like shrimp or fish.
More taco recipes you might like
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Easy Beef Taco Recipe
Ingredients
Taco Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Taco Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
Taco Shells
- 10 whole corn tortillas I use white
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
- Coarse kosher or sea salt optional
Optional Toppings
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- shredded lettuce
- chopped tomatoes
- fresh cilantro
- cilantro lime sauce
- avocado
- guacamole
- pickled red onions
Instructions
Make the taco meat filling
- Add the ground beef and minced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté until the ground beef is cooked through and the onion is translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. You don’t want to burn it.
- Add the ground cumin, salt, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and dried oregano. Mix to combine until all of the ground beef is coated.
- Add the tomato sauce and mix to combine. Turn the heat down to a simmer. Let the meat mixture simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Fry Tortillas
- Heat a medium sized skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pour in avocado oil.
- Once the oil is hot (350°F), gently place the tortilla in the oil. Fry the tortilla on each side for about 30 seconds.
- Remove the tortilla from the oil and place it on a paper towel. This will drain the excess oil.
- Carefully fold the tortilla over itself to create the taco shell shape.
- Sprinkle with a little coarse salt if using.
Assemble the tacos
- Add the ground beef mixture to your taco shells.
- Top with your favorite toppings and serve!
Video
Notes
- Mincing the onion finely will help it incorporate into the meat mixture.
- It’s important to the turn the heat down to a simmer once you’ve added the tomato sauce. You don’t want to overcook the meat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
