Ground Beef Tacos

Make these simple and crunchy Ground Beef Tacos! They're filled with savory ground beef and made with a homemade taco seasoning that comes together quickly in a crunchy taco shell piled with all of your favorite toppings.

If you’re craving more tasty taco recipes, then be sure to try making some Jerk Chicken Tacos or Easy Beef Baked Tacos.

Growing up tacos were always one of my favorite dinners! 

Now my mom’s tacos were not authentic in any way, but the ground beef was so flavorful and wonderfully seasoned with multiple spices from her spice cabinet. Yes sir, ladies and gentlemen, my mom had a whole cabinet full of spices. So clearly she didn’t see the need for a premade taco seasoning packet. After all, it was the 80’s and I’m not sure if that was even available. 

Anyway, she would taste and shake in seasonings until the ground beef mixture was perfectly seasoned to add to crunchy taco shells…because it was always crunchy shells. 

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Ground Beef - Use any ground beef you prefer to make these tacos. I like using lean ground beef with 7% fat or higher. This forms the bulk and base of our tacos. Ground turkey is a great substitute. 
2. Onion - Chop up a yellow onion or white onion, try to avoid red onion. This is added to the meat to give the mixture some aromatics. 
3. Chili Powder - This is the main ingredient in the homemade taco seasoning blend. It adds a mild and moderately spicy flavor to the tacos. 
4. Garlic Powder - Intense dry garlic flavor addition to the meat mixture. 
5. Oregano - Spicy, bold, and pungent flavor, but no worries we’re only using a small amount. 
6. Paprika - Smokey and peppery flavor that pairs well with the seasoning mix. 
7. Ground Cumin - Warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that rounds out the taco seasoning. 
8. Salt & Ground Black Pepper - Seasons the taco meat with a slaty and peppery flavor that prevents it from tasting bland. 
9. Water - Needed to combine with the seasoning to finish cooking the meat. 
10. Taco Shells - Keep it classic by using crunchy taco shells. If you prefer soft tacos, then you may substitute with flour tortillas. 
11. Toppings - Grab your favorite taco toppings, I love using lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

More Delicious Taco Topping Options

• Jalapenos - Fresh sliced or pickled jalapenos are a great way to add heat. 
• Guacamole - Add another layer of creamy flavor with some guacamole, diced avocado, or some avocado sauce. 
• Pico de Gallo - Make it homemade or grab it prepared from the produce section at your local grocery store. 
• Salsa or Taco Sauce - Use your favorite salsa or taco sauce to add another layer of flavor. Hot sauce and chili sauce are also great topping options.
• Cilantro - Fresh chopped cilantro on top of the tacos before serving to add fresh peppery herb flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef Tacos

Begin the recipe by making the taco meat. Add the ground beef using a large skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. While the meat cooks, continuously break it into small pieces using a meat chopper or large wooden spoon.

Cook the meat until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Carefully drain off any excess grease or fat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to soften. 

Add the chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper.

Stir to combine add the water and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook uncovered stirring frequently until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes. 

Warm the taco shells in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Using a spoon, divide the meat filling evenly among the crunchy taco shells.

Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, more cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Serve immediately while the tacos are still warm and enjoy!

Storage Tips

Storage. If you have any leftover tacos, then store the meat mixture separately from the crunchy shells and toppings. After the meat filling has cooled to room temperature, add it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Store the topping in individual containers or plastic bags. The shells can be stored at room temperature. 

Reheat. When you’re ready to serve the beef tacos again, heat the meat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Heat the taco shells in the oven and assemble the tacos with the leftover toppings. 

Make Ahead. The meat filling is great to make ahead, make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. Prepare your toppings in advance and store them in plastic bags to make dinner a breeze. 

Want More Delicious Recipes? Try These:

• Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe
• Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing 
• Pineapple Mango Salsa 
• Peachy Salsa Pork Chops
• Grilled Corn Salad 
• Crispy Oven Baked Tacos (Made with Corn Tortillas)
• Jerk Chicken Tacos 
• Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta 
• Ground Pork Nachos 
• Quick Pickled Red Onions 

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this Ground Beef Taco Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe