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Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This Ground Beef Tacos recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and tomato paste, served in crispy taco shells or soft tortillas, and topped with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, guacamole, and optional extras like hot sauce and sour cream. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe yields 8 delicious tacos bursting with classic Tex-Mex flavors.

Ingredients

Taco Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 85/15)
  • 1 small yellow onion (or white onion, finely diced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water (or broth)
  • 3 Tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)

Tacos & Toppings

  • 8 taco shells or small tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (and jalapenos for spice)
  • Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Extras: hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Make taco seasoning: If preparing homemade taco seasoning, stir together all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Alternatively, measure out 3 tablespoons of store-bought seasoning.
  2. Brown beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until mostly browned, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add onion & garlic: Stir in the diced onion and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion softens and beef is fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. If excess grease is present, carefully spoon most of it off, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  4. Add seasoning and tomato paste: Add 3 tablespoons taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 1 minute, coating the beef evenly.
  5. Add water and simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup water (or broth), stir, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is juicy and lightly saucy but without excess liquid.
  6. Warm taco shells: Warm taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions or preferred method to make hard shells if desired.
  7. Assemble tacos: Fill each shell with the seasoned beef mixture and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, shredded cheese, guacamole, and any extras like hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add jalapenos or hot sauce to your taco toppings.
  • You can substitute water with beef broth for richer flavor.
  • Homemade taco seasoning can be customized to taste with additional spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder.
  • Use either hard taco shells or soft tortillas depending on preference.
  • Leftover taco meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure taco shells or tortillas are labeled gluten-free.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/ground-beef-tacos-recipe/