Ground beef tacos are a beloved dish that arrives at your table with warmth, flavor, and an undeniable ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, cooking for your family, or simply craving a comforting meal, these tacos deliver on all fronts. The hearty filling, combined with crunchy taco shells and vibrant toppings, creates a delightful explosion of textures and flavors that you simply can’t resist.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
There’s something truly special about ground beef tacos. For many, they evoke memories of family dinners, late-night snacking, and joyous celebrations. The versatility of tacos allows you to customize them to your liking, making them ideal for everyone, no matter their preferences. The warm spices and savory meat fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma, luring everyone in. Plus, making tacos can be a fun activity for the whole family—everyone can join in to assemble their perfect taco.
The ingredients are usually simple, yet they pack a punch. From the hearty beef to the fresh toppings, this recipe is accessible and straightforward. Once you master this easy method, you will find that the possibilities are endless. It’s not just about enjoying great food; it’s about creating joyful moments that revolve around it.
Ingredients about Ground Beef Tacos
If you’re ready to embark on making these delightful tacos, gather the following ingredients to prepare a mouthwatering feast:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean / 15% fat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken stock)
- 12 corn tortillas
- Neutral high-heat oil (for frying)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese (or Colby Jack / Pepper Jack)
- 3 leaves lettuce (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup guacamole
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos Directions
To bring these tacos to life, follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Begin by heating a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add about a teaspoon of olive oil, allowing it to warm up.
Once the oil is hot, add in the pound of ground beef. This lean beef blend (85%/15%) will give you the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Season it generously with your spices: ground cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and kosher salt. Stir these together and cook for about five minutes. You want the beef to brown evenly while soaking in all those wonderful spices.
Next, it’s time to add the tomato paste. This ingredient not only enhances the flavor but also helps bind your filling together. Mix it thoroughly before pouring in the beef broth. Stir everything, then let it simmer for an additional five minutes. This will allow the broth to mostly evaporate and concentrate the flavor, giving you a rich, creamy meat filling.
While your beef filling is coming together, prepare to create those enticing crunchy taco shells. In a separate skillet, heat oil to 350°F. This temperature is key to achieving that perfect crunch.
Once the oil is hot, carefully fry each corn tortilla for about 12-15 seconds. Use tongs to hold the tortilla in a U-shape as it puffs up in the oil, transforming into a beautiful shell. Transfer the freshly fried taco shells onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. A sprinkle of salt at this stage makes them even more irresistible.
It’s time to assemble your tacos! Take one of the crunchy shells and fill it generously with your flavorful beef mixture. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese to let it melt slightly, followed by a handful of thinly sliced lettuce, a scoop of pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Don’t forget to add some creamy guacamole to elevate the taste. Finally, serve your tacos with fresh lime wedges for that zesty touch.
How to Serve Ground Beef Tacos
Serving ground beef tacos can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. One way is to set up a taco bar, allowing your guests or family to create their own masterpieces. Lay out the taco shells, beef filling, and all the toppings such as cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges. This interactive setup not only keeps things fresh and fun but also lets everyone customize their taco to their taste.
For a cozy night in, you can plate several tacos on a large serving platter, garnished with lime wedges and perhaps some extra pico de gallo on the side. Pair your tacos with favorite beverages like sparkling water or a refreshing soda. A light salad or a side of Mexican rice complements this meal beautifully, contributing more flavors and textures to your dining experience.
Expert Tips: Ground Beef Tacos
To elevate your ground beef tacos, consider these expert tips:
Choosing the Right Beef: Opt for ground beef that’s 85% lean to maintain flavor without excessive grease. You need some fat for flavor but avoid it becoming overly greasy.
Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer milder tacos, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh toppings and ingredients. The freshness of your pico de gallo or guacamole can significantly enhance the overall taste.
Fry the Shells Properly: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the tortillas to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
Make Ahead: Prepare your beef filling ahead of time to save on cooking during your gathering. This will allow you to focus on assembling and serving.
How to Store Ground Beef Tacos
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely due to their deliciousness), storing them properly is essential.
For the beef filling:
- Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
For the taco shells:
- They are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for up to two days. Recrisp them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
The toppings, such as lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole, should be stored separately in their own airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess.
Variation of Ground Beef Tacos
While classic ground beef tacos are mouthwatering, exploring variations can be just as rewarding. Here are a few delightful ideas to spice things up:
Tex-Mex Tacos: Add black beans and corn to your beef mixture for a Tex-Mex twist. This not only enhances flavor but also adds nutritional value.
Spicy Chorizo Tacos: Swap out ground beef for spicy chorizo for a bolder flavor. This sausage adds a new dimension of spice and richness to your tacos.
Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or black beans in place of ground beef for a hearty vegetarian taco. Season with the same spices for flavor consistency.
Fish Tacos: Replace beef with grilled fish like tilapia or shrimp, topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw and lime dressing for a lighter option.
Breakfast Tacos: Make them breakfast-worthy by adding scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage, topped with salsa for flavor.
FAQ
What are the best toppings for ground beef tacos?
You can use a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Feel free to get creative!
How do I make crunchy taco shells?
Fry corn tortillas in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown. Holding them in a U-shape will help them form the shell.
Can I use different types of meat?
Certainly! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives are great substitutes for ground beef if you want to switch things up.
Can I make ground beef tacos in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
What’s the best way to serve ground beef tacos?
Setting up a taco bar allows everyone to customize their tacos with their choice of toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal option.
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean / 15% fat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth (or chicken stock)
- 12 pieces corn tortillas
- neutral high-heat oil (for frying)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese (or Colby Jack / Pepper Jack)
- 3 leaves lettuce (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup guacamole
- lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add about a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Add the ground beef and season with cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add the tomato paste and mix thoroughly. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the broth mostly evaporates.
- In a separate skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Fry each corn tortilla for about 12-15 seconds, holding it in a U-shape until it puffs up.
- Transfer the fried taco shells to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Assemble your tacos by filling each shell with the beef mixture and topping with cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. Serve with lime wedges.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!