Beef tacos are a classic favorite that never goes out of style. With seasoned ground beef, crispy shells, and all your favorite toppings, they’re easy to make and fun to customize. Whether it’s taco night with family or a casual get-together, this simple dish brings everyone to the table.
Why We Love This Beef Tacos Recipe
One of the most significant reasons people love beef tacos is their versatility. You can easily adjust the seasonings, toppings, and even the type of tortillas to fit your personal preferences. This recipe makes it easy to whip up a delicious meal any day of the week using essential ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a festive taco night or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, homemade beef tacos are sure to be a crowd favorite. Moreover, making beef tacos at home not only provides a satisfying meal but also encourages creativity as you explore different flavors and toppings, making it a fun culinary adventure.
Ingredients for Beef Tacos
To make your mouthwatering beef tacos, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- White corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Pico de Gallo
- Taco sauce
- Shredded lettuce
How to Make Beef Tacos: Directions
Creating the perfect beef tacos is as simple as following these steps:
Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef apart, cooking it until it’s thoroughly browned and cooked through. This step should take around 7-10 minutes.
Drain the Grease
After cooking the beef, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This will help prevent greasy tacos and make for a healthier meal.
Add Garlic and Seasonings
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic into the skillet, followed by salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro. These spices are the heart of your taco filling, so don’t skip this essential step! Stir everything to combine, allowing the garlic to cook for about a minute until fragrant.
Incorporate Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This prevents the beef mixture from drying out while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare Tortillas
While the beef is simmering, take another skillet, heat it over medium heat, and add a tablespoon of oil. Lay out a few white corn tortillas in the hot skillet. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each tortilla. This creates a delicious layer of melty goodness for your tacos.
Add the Taco Meat
After the cheese starts to melt, add a spoonful of the beef taco filling onto each tortilla. Don’t be shy; make it as generous as you like!
Fold and Brown the Tacos
Carefully fold the tortillas over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Allow them to cook on both sides for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them to avoid spilling the filling.
Drain Excess Oil
Once browned, remove the tacos from the skillet and place them on paper towels. This will help absorb any additional grease, leaving you with perfectly crispy tacos.
Top and Enjoy
Now, it’s time to top your tacos! Add a dollop of sour cream, some pico de gallo, taco sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded lettuce. Customize each taco to your liking and serve warm.
How to Serve Beef Tacos
When serving beef tacos, presentation is key to enhancing their appeal. Place the stuffed tacos on a colorful platter or individual plates to make them look inviting. You can arrange toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, taco sauce, and shredded lettuce in small bowls around the platter to encourage everyone to customize their tacos. Add some lime wedges for a zesty squeeze right before taking a bite. Don’t forget to serve them with a side of tortilla chips for a crunchy complement!
Consider pairing your beef tacos with a refreshing beverage like water infused with lime or a light soda. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your meal, making it memorable for all involved.
Expert Tips for the Best Beef Tacos
Quality of Beef Matters: Choose lean ground beef (like 80/20) for a good balance of flavor and texture while keeping excess grease at bay.
Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer milder tacos, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Conversely, feel free to increase the spice for a more intense kick!
Homemade Tortillas: For an even more authentic experience, consider making your own corn tortillas. They are easier than you might think and can result in a fresher taste.
Mix Different Cheeses: Explore the possibility of mixing cheeses; perhaps try adding a bit of cheddar to the Monterey Jack to create a unique flavor blend.
Make Extra for Leftovers: If you make more taco filling than you need, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it for another taco night!
How to Store Beef Tacos
If you find yourself with leftover beef tacos, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain freshness. First, let the tacos cool to room temperature before packaging them. You can place the filled tacos in an airtight container, ensuring they are not tightly packed to avoid sogginess. Alternatively, store the beef filling and tortillas separately to keep the tacos fresh and crispy for longer. The taco filling can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while the tortillas can be kept sealed in a zip-top bag.
If you’re looking to store the beef filling for even longer, consider freezing it. It can be placed in a freezer-safe container or bag and can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your tacos again, just thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight, reheat, and assemble!
Variations of Beef Tacos
While this beef taco recipe is a classic, there are numerous ways to mix things up and keep your meals exciting:
Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter dish, swap out the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it remains delicious.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with black beans or lentils seasoned well with taco spices. This vegetarian option is not only nutritious but also hearty and satisfying.
Crunchy or Soft Shells: Experiment with different types of taco shells. While crispy corn tortillas are traditional, soft flour tortillas can also be a delectable option.
Add Beans: Incorporate black or pinto beans into your beef filling for an extra protein punch and texture diversity.
Different Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Beyond lettuce and sour cream, try avocado slices, jalapeños, corn salsa, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
FAQ About Beef Tacos
What types of beef work best for tacos?
Using ground beef is the traditional choice, ideally a lean option like 80/20 for flavor without too much grease. However, you can also use shredded beef for a more substantial texture.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Store-bought taco seasoning can save time and still deliver great flavor if you find yourself in a pinch. Just be sure to taste and adjust based on your preference.
How do I prevent taco shells from getting soggy?
To keep your taco shells crisp, store the taco filling and shells separately. Only assemble tacos right before serving, and use cooler toppings rather than warm ones.
Can I prepare the beef filling in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat when ready to use.
Beef Tacos
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- white corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon oil
- shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- sour cream
- pico de gallo
- taco sauce
- shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro. Stir for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
- In another skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Place white corn tortillas in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
- Add a spoonful of the beef filling onto each tortilla. Fold and brown on both sides for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
- Drain excess oil on paper towels and garnish with sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce before serving.