How to Make Ground Beef Tacos

You don’t need a packet to make taco night easy or delicious. These ground beef tacos come together fast, but they taste like the kind you’d get from your favorite mom and pop Tex-Mex spot. The secret? Simple pantry spices that build real flavor, not salt dust from a pouch mixed with water. This recipe gives you all the cozy, craveable flavor your family loves on a Tuesday without the shortcuts that never quite hit the mark.

I can confidently say this is the best ground beef taco recipe and not just because it’s homemade. It’s packed with that rich, smoky Tex-Mex flavor you’ll never get from the packet-and-water combo. This version tastes like the tacos you crave from a local spot, only easier and made right at home.

The best part? It’s ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but still crave-worthy.

And if you’ve never fried your own tortillas, don’t overthink it. It’s easier than it sounds, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to the boxed shells again. They crisp up perfectly, with just enough salt to balance the saucy taco meat. You can fry them while the beef cooks, and by the time it’s done, you’ve got a plate of perfectly golden tacos ready.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Taco Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with how easy these tacos are to make and how much flavor you get for so little effort.

• Quick and easy: From start to finish, dinner’s on the table in under 30 minutes.
• No packet needed: You’ll get rich, smoky, Tex-Mex flavor from real spices, not salt and fillers.
• Perfectly balanced: Juicy, saucy taco meat that isn’t greasy or dry.
• Family favorite: A meal everyone will eat without complaint and ask for again next week.

Ground Beef Taco Ingredients

• 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.

Best Ground Beef for Tacos

When it comes to taco meat, the fat content of your ground beef makes a big difference in both flavor and texture. I like to use 90/10 ground beef. It’s lean enough that you don’t have to drain it, but it still has enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful.

If you go leaner (like 93/7 or 96/4), the meat can taste a little dry or crumbly unless you add extra moisture, which isn’t ideal when making tacos.

On the flip side, higher fat options like 80/20 or 85/15 can make your tacos greasy, especially if you skip draining. You’ll end up with soggy tortillas and that “swimming in oil” issue some recipes get complaints about.

If 80/20 is what you have on hand, it’ll still work, just make sure to drain off the excess grease before proceeding with the rest of the recipe so that the spices can stick and flavor the meat properly.

For the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and convenience, 90/10 is the sweet spot. No draining, no dryness, just perfectly seasoned taco meat that holds together without turning greasy.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best ground beef for tacos based on what you have in your fridge.

What’s the best fat ratio for taco meat?

Fat Ratio	Texture & Flavor	Drain Needed?	Best For	Notes
70/30	Very juicy but greasy; can turn soggy	Yes	Burgers or chili	Too fatty for tacos; will make shells soggy
80/20	Flavorful, rich	Yes	Tacos (if drained well)	Drain before seasoning or it’ll taste oily
85/15	Slightly leaner, but still juicy	Usually	Tacos (if drained)	Good middle ground; still may need draining
90/10	Juicy without excess grease	No	Best for tacos	Ideal balance. Great flavor, no draining
93/7	Can be dry if overcooked	No	Lighter options	Will need a splash of broth

Seasonings for ground beef tacos

You don’t need a long list of spices to make amazing taco meat. You just need the right ones. Each spice has a purpose, but together they give you that flavor you can’t get from a packet. Most store-bought packets are heavy on salt and chili powder, which gives flat, one-note flavor. This homemade blend keeps it balanced with smoky, savory, and full real Tex-Mex flavor.

If you’d rather mix a big batch to keep on hand, try my Homemade Taco Seasoning. It’s the same blend I use here.

• Ground cumin: The foundation of Tex-Mex cooking. It gives the tacos that deep, savory flavor that makes them taste like the real deal.
• Kosher salt: Brings out every bit of flavor from the beef and helps the spices stick.
• Garlic powder: Adds rich, savory depth that balances the spice and salt.
• Paprika: Adds color and a mild sweetness that rounds out the blend.
• Chipotle chili powder: The secret to that warm, smoky heat that makes these tacos unforgettable.
• Dried oregano: A touch that brightens everything and keeps it from feeling heavy.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle the spices over the browned meat and let them toast for 30 seconds before stirring. This wakes up the oils in the spices and gives you that rich flavor with no packet required.

How to Make Ground Beef Tacos

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!

1. Add the ground beef and minced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté until the ground beef is cooked through and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. You don’t want to burn it.
4. Add the ground cumin, salt, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and dried oregano. Mix to combine until all of the ground beef is coated.
5. 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

1. Heat a medium sized skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Pour in avocado oil.
3. Once the oil is hot (350°F), gently place the tortilla in the oil. Fry the tortilla on each side for about 30 seconds.
4. Remove the tortilla from the oil and place it on a paper towel. This will drain the excess oil.
5. Carefully fold the tortilla over itself to create the taco shell shape.
6. Sprinkle with a little coarse salt if using.

Assemble the tacos

1. Add the ground beef mixture to your taco shells.
2. Top with your favorite toppings and serve!

Substitutions and Alterations

• Tomato Sauce: You can use a combination of water and tomato paste for a similar texture and flavor. If you want a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor, try using crushed tomatoes or a mild salsa instead.
• Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken both work well in this recipe. Turkey will taste lighter, while chicken takes on the Tex-Mex spices well. Just be sure not to overcook. They both can dry out faster than beef. You may also want to add a bit of olive oil to the skillet with them when cooking them.
• Make it Smoky: For stovetop tacos with that backyard grilled flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Add Veggies: If you want to bulk it up or stretch the meat, finely chopped bell pepper and even grated zucchini blend right in without changing the flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeno or an extra pinch of chipotle chili powder for more heat.
• Taco Shells: You can use hard shells, soft flour tortillas, or even lettuce wraps if you want a lighter version. Fried corn tortillas give that classic Tex-Mex crunch.

How much ground beef per person for tacos

The amount of ground beef you’ll need per person can vary depending on appetites, what sides or toppings you’re serving, and whether tacos are the main course or part of a bigger spread.

As a general guideline, plan for about ¼ to ⅓ pound of ground beef per person when serving tacos with toppings and sides. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to make a little extra. Leftovers are perfect for taco salads, burrito bowls, or nachos later in the week.

Number of People	Ground Beef (¼ lb each)	Ground Beef (⅓ lb each)
2	½ lb	⅔ lb
4	1 lb	1⅓ lbs
6	1½ lbs	2 lbs
8	2 lbs	2⅔ lbs
10	2½ lbs	3⅓ lbs
12	3 lbs	4 lbs

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Ground Beef Tacos

• Finely mince the onion. It blends into the beef instead of standing out in chunks, giving you that smooth, saucy texture that coats every bite.
• Simmer gently after adding the tomato sauce. Turning down the heat keeps the meat tender and helps the sauce thicken without drying out.
• Let the spices bloom. Sprinkle your seasonings over the browned meat and cook for 30 seconds before adding the tomato sauce. This helps release their natural oils and gives you a deeper, more balanced flavor.
• Don’t skip the salt. Kosher salt helps the meat brown evenly and enhances every other spice in the mix. It’s the quiet little backbone of the flavor.
• Taste and adjust. Before you turn off the heat, taste the taco meat. If it needs more pop, a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime can brighten it instantly.
• Toast your tortillas. Even if you’re not frying them, a quick toast in a dry skillet brings out flavor and makes them sturdier for filling.

How to Store Ground Beef Taco Meat

Let the taco meat cool completely before storing. Sealing it while it’s still hot can trap steam and cause condensation, which leads to soggy or watery meat later.

Transfer the cooled taco meat to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Store for up to 3 months for the best flavor (though it’s still safe up to 6).

If freezing, flatten the bag before sealing it. That saves space and helps it thaw evenly later. Label it with the date so you don’t have to guess when you made it.

How to Reheat Taco Meat

Reheating taco meat the right way keeps it juicy instead of dry or rubbery.

• Stovetop (best texture): Add the meat to a skillet over medium heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or beef broth. Stir occasionally until heated through. This keeps the sauce smooth and the meat flavorful.
• Microwave (fastest): Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle in a spoonful of water or broth, and cover loosely. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• From frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using either method above.

Pro Tip: If the meat looks a little dry after reheating, add a tiny splash of tomato sauce or salsa. It’ll bring back that saucy texture.

What to serve with ground beef tacos

Ground beef tacos go with just about everything. But the best spreads mix a few great sides with plenty of toppings so everyone can build their own plate.

Sides for Tacos

• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Spanish Rice
• Refried Beans (or Charro Beans)
• Mexican Street Corn Casserole
• Chili Lime Rice

Taco Toppings

• Guacamole
• Chile con Queso
• shredded cheese
• sour cream
• shredded lettuce
• chopped tomatoes
• fresh cilantro
• Cilantro lime sauce
• avocado
• pickled red onions

kitchen tools to make ground beef tacos

skillet

Buy Now →

meat chopper

Buy Now →

measuring cups

Buy Now →

measuring spoons

Buy Now →

tongs

Buy Now →

Ground Beef Taco Recipe FAQs

More taco recipes you might like

• BBQ Chicken Tacos
• Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
• Carne Asada Tacos
• Shredded Beef Tacos

If you make this recipe and love it, we would love a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! It helps us continue to provide free recipes.