Ground Beef Tacos
A weeknight classic! Savory, seasoned ground beef tucked into crispy taco shells with all your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes for a fun, customizable family meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Toppings and Warm Shells
- b.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- c.While the oven heats, prepare your toppings: shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and shred the cheese.
- d.Arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet and bake for 4-5 minutes until warm and crisp. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Ground Beef
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until fully browned.
- d.Carefully drain off the excess grease from the skillet.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Aromatics and Spices
- b.Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- c.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- d.Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the beef.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Filling
- b.Pour the tomato sauce and water into the skillet. Stir to combine everything well.
- c.Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- d.Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Set up a taco bar with the warm shells, seasoned beef, and all the prepared toppings.
- c.Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture.
- d.Let everyone add their favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use 85/15 ground beef. If you use a leaner beef, you may need to add a little more oil.
- 2Toasting the spices for a minute before adding liquids enhances their aroma and deepens the flavor of the filling.
- 3Don't skip draining the grease after browning the beef; it prevents the tacos from being overly greasy.
- 4Warm the taco shells just before serving. This makes them crispier and less likely to break when filled.
- 5For a creamier filling, stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of simmering.
- 6Leftover taco meat is versatile! Use it for nachos, taco salads, quesadillas, or stuffed bell peppers.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust cooking time as needed.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the ground beef with a can of black beans or pinto beans (rinsed and drained), or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Bulk up the filling by adding a can of drained corn, diced bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions.
Different ShellsDifferent Shells
Use soft flour or corn tortillas instead of hard shells. Warm them in a dry skillet or microwave before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a natural source of several B vitamins, including B12, niacin, and B6, which are vital for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Customizable with Fresh Veggies
Tacos are a great vehicle for fresh vegetables. Toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions add fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin C and K), and antioxidants to your meal.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of three ground beef tacos, including typical toppings, contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of the beef and the amount of cheese and sour cream used.