Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Tacos are a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. With savory, seasoned beef nestled in a crispy or soft tortilla and topped with your favorite fixings, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or taco nights with family and friends. Customizable and delicious, these tacos are sure to become a go-to favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlictaco seasoning mix (or a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper)tomato pastetomatowatertortillas (soft or hard shell)shredded lettucechopped tomatoesgrated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)sour creamsliced jalapeñoschopped cilantrolime wedges

directions

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.

Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, chopped tomato, and a splash of water.

Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.

Warm tortillas according to package instructions or lightly toast them in a pan.

Fill each tortilla with the seasoned beef mixture.

Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 tacos.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.

Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Try different cheeses like cotija, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.

Make it spicy with hot sauce or extra jalapeños.

storage/reheating

Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Toppings and tortillas should be stored separately to maintain freshness and texture.

FAQs

Can I make the taco meat ahead of time?
Yes, the beef mixture can be made in advance and reheated for quick meals.

What tortillas are best for tacos?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well—choose based on your preference.

How do I prevent soggy tacos?
Assemble tacos just before serving and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients.

Can I freeze the taco meat?
Yes, cooked and cooled beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before use.

What’s a good side dish for tacos?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad pair perfectly.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas and gluten-free taco seasoning to make them gluten-free.

Are these tacos kid-friendly?
Yes! You can adjust toppings and seasoning to suit younger palates.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of paste?
Yes, just cook them down longer to achieve a similar consistency.

How can I make them low-carb?
Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Do I need to add water to the beef?
A little water helps dissolve the seasoning and tomato paste into a saucy consistency.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious, easy-to-make staple that bring big flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you keep it classic or mix it up with creative toppings and variations, they’re a versatile dish that everyone will love. Ideal for any night of the week, they’re sure to satisfy your taco cravings every time.