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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Easy Ground Beef Tacos

    Published by Melissa on July 1, 2019 | Updated June 10, 2022 | 35 Comments

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    This taco meat recipe is perfect for Easy Ground Beef Tacos!  They are quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard.  That means there is no need to buy a sodium loaded taco seasoning packet at the store!

    Easy Ground Beef Tacos Plated

    Also included in this post is a Recipe Round-Up. I’ve joined a fun group of bloggers to put together a roundup of recipes on the first day of every month. This month we’re sharing Easy Taco Recipes.

    Easy Ground Beef Tacos 

    My sweet mom preferred ground beef tacos.  We went out to lunch every Friday, and if they only had shredded beef tacos on the menu, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask if they would make her one with ground beef.

    I’m sure I probably rolled my eyes a time or two because, given the choice, I’d always pick shredded beef.  Now, I do realize that if you need a quick and easy meal, you just can’t beat this taco meat recipe for ground beef tacos.  So, I am happy to share my recipe!

    collage of making Ground Beef TacosHow to Cook Beef for Tacos 

    When making tacos, it starts with the meat.  In this case, I more often than not will choose a slightly fattier ground beef.  I know that I will be draining that extra grease off the meat, but experience tells me that it also adds a richer flavor to the meat. 

    I prefer using a large skillet or cast iron skillet for cooking ground beef.  When using higher fat meat, you don’t need to add oil to the pan.  If you choose a lean beef option, you may want a bit of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

    • Spread the meat into an even layer and season with just salt and pepper to begin. Stir regularly to make sure all meat is cooked through and browned well. I love using this meat chopper. In between stirring, you can keep a lid on the pan to prevent grease splatters.
    • Once the meat has cooked completely, you will drain the excess grease. After the grease is drained, then you add in your taco seasonings and simmer it as directed for optimum flavor. 

    Tip: When possible, opt for grass-fed beef or ground sirloin instead of ground chuck.  Both will give you a richer beef flavor.

    Ground beef taco filling in hard shell tacos

    Choosing Tortillas for Tacos 

    If you’ve ever had a real authentic street taco, you know that they typically come in thin corn or flour tortillas with a bit of cilantro, onions and a wedge of lime. Over the years, many have become accustomed to the more “Americanized” version of tacos in hard crunchy shells and loaded with cheese and salsa. 

    My family prefers flour tortillas over corn tortillas. 

    ground beef taco on a plate with a salad and salsa

    All of these options are equally delicious. 

    Tortilla options:

    • For street tacos use 2 thin corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and fresh lime
    • Make your own American style tacos, bake or deep fry larger corn tortillas and serve topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, and salsa or sour cream
    • For making a quesadilla with shredded beef, use a large flour tortilla
    • If they’re available, my family likes the fresh tortillas that you brown before eating.

    Best Taco Toppings

    As mentioned above, my mom liked the classic ground beef taco.  I prefer shredded beef, so you may expect I preferred a bit more traditional toppings.  Below are some great additions to tacos that you may love.  This list includes both traditional, and different options that may be new to you!

    • Fresh chopped cilantro
    • Diced onions or jalapenos
    • Diced tomatoes and lettuce
    • Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
    • Cotija cheese
    • Diced pineapple and red onion
    • Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans
    • Black bean and corn salsa
    • Salsa, Verde sauce, or hot sauce
    • Creme Fraiche, sour cream, or nonfat plain Greek yogurt
    Easy Ground Beef Tacos on a light blue plate

    More Mexican Inspired Recipes

    Of course, these easy ground beef tacos are one of my family’s favorite meals, but there are tons of options with similar flavors you may also add to your menu. Maybe you enjoy something more like these Southwest Egg Rolls or my fun Chicken Taco Cornbread Wedges as finger food?  My family also loves the perfect Carne Asada Tacos when we are looking for a beef based meal.

    More options are the Crispy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos or the Shredded Pork Tacos. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try these Black Bean Tacos. There really is no limit to how you can make tacos more delicious!

    collage of 10 Tasty Taco Recipes
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    Easy Ground Beef Tacos

    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Beef
    Keyword: cooking, food, recipe
    Servings: 6 -8 servings
    Calories: 158kcal
    Author: Barbara Schieving
    Prevent your screen from going to sleep

    Equipment

    • OXO Good Grips Ground Meat Chopper
    • Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
    • All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Cookware Set, 10 inch and 12 inch Fry Pan,

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb. ground beef
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • dash cayenne powder
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions

    • In a large frying pan cook ground beef until it's no longer pink. Stir in spices and water and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes until the all of the water cooks off.
    • Serve with cheese, salsa, lettuce, and tomatoes, or your favorite taco toppings. While you're at it, make a double batch and freeze the leftovers in individual ½ cup servings.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 73mg

    Easy Taco Recipes You’ll Like:

    Easy Seasoned Chicken Tacos
    Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
    Bacon Tacos
    Chicken Tinga Tacos
    Easy Ground Beef Tacos
    Pan Seared Steak Tacos
    Grilled Sirloin Steak Tacos
    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken & Poblano Street Tacos
    Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Coleslaw
    BBQ Meatball Street Tacos

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    Quick and Easy Ground Beef Tacos
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    about us

    About Melissa & Barbara

    As of June 2022 Melissa Griffiths now is the one adding recipes. So think of it as Barbara Bakes, and Melissa too! Melissa and Barbara have been blogging friends for over 10 years and when Barbara was ready to retire and spend more time with her family, Melissa took over the site. Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Asmita

      April 24, 2012 at 8:38 am

      Hi Barbara,
      This looks like such a simple, easy and delicious meal! I know what I am making for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    2. John Wattson

      April 24, 2012 at 5:28 am

      this must a delicacy for the day. I like, I like and I like it

      Reply
    3. John Wattson

      April 23, 2012 at 12:58 am

      delicious; I like the meal. I just want to munch it.

      Reply
    4. Barbara

      April 20, 2012 at 5:15 am

      You’re right….those are simple to make. I do love tacos….

      Reply
    5. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

      April 19, 2012 at 5:37 pm

      Yum! And I have those seasonings in my pantry so we don’t need to go for those prepacked seasoning mixes. Great job mum! xxx

      Reply
    6. Susan

      April 19, 2012 at 7:22 am

      My husband would probably ask for ground beef too 🙂 Tacos are such a great way to get a salad and meat in one bite. I should make them more often!

      Reply
    7. Angie@Angie's Recipes

      April 19, 2012 at 7:16 am

      My husband loves ground meat dishes…this looks like a perfect weekend lunch for him.

      Reply
    8. Rosa

      April 18, 2012 at 8:43 pm

      Super loving this recipe. I love tacos so much and I am now ready to try this.

      Reply
    9. Meghan

      April 18, 2012 at 5:27 pm

      I love tacos more than I should! After seeing your photo, I am now starving! I must make some this week 🙂

      Reply
    10. Rocky Mountain Woman

      April 18, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      I always forget about tacos now that my kids are grown, but they really are a quick and easy middle of the week go to. Thanks for reminding me!

      Reply
    11. Katie {Epicurean Mom}

      April 18, 2012 at 1:55 pm

      These are the most perfect week night meal! So easy and delicious!

      Reply
    12. JG

      April 18, 2012 at 8:30 am

      Easy and looks so delicous! I agree about seasoning packets- no need to purchase each time. The “go to” place is your spice rack.
      ~Judy

      Reply
    13. Sarah, Maison Cupcake

      April 18, 2012 at 7:13 am

      I love tacos and anything mexican in fact. We eat these on Sunday nights!

      Reply
    14. Helene

      April 17, 2012 at 7:22 pm

      Love those quick, easy, delicious recipes. My three kids could eat tacos 2-3 times a week.

      Reply
    15. Kalyn

      April 17, 2012 at 6:06 pm

      Yum, this was one of my favorite dinners when I was a kid, and I still like it now too.

      Reply
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