Description
This easy taco recipe creates perfectly seasoned, juicy ground beef tacos in just 20 minutes! Made with homemade taco seasoning (no packets needed), these quick tacos are family-friendly, budget-friendly, and infinitely customizable. Serve with all your favorite toppings for the perfect weeknight dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Taco Meat:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if using lean beef)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional but recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
- ⅔ cup tomato sauce or water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- 12–15 taco shells (hard) or soft tortillas (flour or corn)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Guacamole or sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Toppings: Before you start cooking, prepare all your taco toppings and arrange them in small bowls. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and onions, grate the cheese, and chop the cilantro. Set everything aside so it’s ready when the meat is done. This makes assembly quick and easy!
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using very lean beef, add the olive oil. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking the meat into small crumbles, until it’s completely browned with no pink remaining. The meat should develop nice brown bits – this is flavor! If there’s excessive grease (more than 2 tablespoons), drain most of it, leaving a little for flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics (optional but recommended): If using fresh onion and garlic, push the browned meat to the sides of the pan and add the diced onion to the center. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Mix the onions and garlic into the meat.
- Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle all the spices over the browned meat: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir everything together, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the spices. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step “blooms” the spices, intensifying their flavors dramatically.
- Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce or water. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those bits are pure flavor! Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened to a nice, saucy consistency. The meat should be well-coated and flavorful, not dry or soupy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – add more salt, spice, or a pinch of sugar if too acidic.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the meat simmers, warm your taco shells or tortillas. For hard shells, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. For soft tortillas, wrap a stack in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or heat individually in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable. You can also warm them directly over a gas flame for 15-20 seconds per side for a slightly charred, authentic flavor.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Set up a taco bar! Place the seasoned meat in a serving bowl, arrange all your toppings, and let everyone build their perfect taco. For each taco, start with a warm shell or tortilla, add 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoned meat, then layer on your favorite toppings: lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and anything else you love. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for that essential brightness!
- Serve Immediately: Tacos are best enjoyed fresh and hot! Serve with extra lime wedges, tortilla chips and salsa on the side, and maybe some Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add more cayenne pepper, use hot salsa, add diced jalapeños to the meat while cooking, or serve with hot sauce.
- Make it Milder: Omit the cayenne pepper and use mild salsa. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to each taco to cool things down.
- Seasoning Packet Alternative: If you prefer using a store-bought packet, use one 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning instead of the individual spices listed. Follow packet directions for liquid amounts.
- Lean Beef Tip: If using 93/7 or leaner ground beef, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan to prevent dryness.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. The seasoning works perfectly with any protein!
- Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The recipe and timing remain the same.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe doubles or triples easily for feeding crowds or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 tacos with meat and typical toppings
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg