Ground Beef Tacos

Discover how to make the best ground beef tacos with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect for family dinners or taco night, these flavorful tacos are customizable with your favorite toppings and ready in just 20 minutes. Learn tips for perfect seasoning, variations for healthy options, and serving ideas to elevate your taco game. Whether you prefer soft tortillas or crunchy shells, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Great for meal prep, parties, or a weeknight treat!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup water

For Serving the Tacos

• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• Lettuce, finely chopped
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Red onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Season and simmer: Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato paste and water, mixing well. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Assemble the tacos: Serve the seasoned ground beef warm in tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, red onions, or your preferred toppings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Tailor the toppings and spice levels to suit your taste.
• Family-friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
• Healthy options: Use lean beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.

Tips

• Warm the tortillas: Heat them in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable and flavorful.
• Drain the beef well: This ensures the tacos aren’t greasy.
• Make ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and reheat for an even quicker meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Spice level: Adjust the chili powder and add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Taco shells: Use hard taco shells for a crunchy option or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes! Replace the spices with 2 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning mix.

How do I store leftovers?
Store the cooked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze the taco meat?
Absolutely. Freeze the seasoned beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving and Suggestions

• Side dishes: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh guacamole dip.
• Toppings: Add sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, or salsa for more flavor.
• Party idea: Set up a taco bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their tacos.

Enjoy these flavorful and satisfying ground beef tacos as a go-to meal for any occasion!