These delicious Ground Beef Tacos are made super quick and easy with ground beef taco meat that has been seasoned with a perfect homemade spice blend. Top with your choice of fixings and taco Tuesday has never been easier.
Set up a taco bar and let your friends and family customize their tacos. For a complete fiesta I love to serve these with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and Chicken Enchilada Soup.
If your family is anything like ours than they are crazy over tacos! We are a bunch of taco loving fools. I personally think that tacos should be a separate food group. Have you tried any of my other taco recipes? Barbacoa Tacos and Chicken Soft Tacos are two of our favorites.
How to make tacos with ground beef
Making ground beef tacos is as simple as browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. When it is about halfway browned add a little chopped onion to it. Then add the spices, salt, pepper and a little bit of beef or chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally scoop the beef mixture it into your shells and top with lettuce, sun-ripened tomatoes, shredded cheese, jalapeno rings and whatever else your little heart desires.
Ground Beef Tacos make the perfect weeknight meal
Whether you like crispy taco shells, soft flour tortillas, or corn tortillas dinner does not get much easier or more delicious. These tacos can be dressed and on the table in less than twenty minutes making them the ideal weeknight meal. With just a handful of spices even your teenager can get these made for dinner. If you are always in a hurry make a double portion of the ground beef mixture and freeze half of it for up to two months for yet another delicious taco meal.
Tips for the best ground beef tacos
- You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the ground beef.
- Carefully blacken the edges of the corn tortillas right over an open flame on a gas stove using tongs.
- Taco meat can be prepared up to a day in advance and reheated in the microwave. If it get dry simply add a little beef broth or tomato sauce.
- The shells should not be stuffed until ready to eat as they may become soggy and cold.
- For a little extra flavor drizzle your tacos with ranch, chipotle ranch, or fire roasted salsa.
- Store all leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator although tacos are always best eaten as soon as they are prepared.
How to make homemade taco seasoning
Simply mix together a triple or quadruple batch of the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to six months. Use about 2 1/2 tablespoons for each pound of ground beef when making tacos. You can also use it in soups, fajitas, Taco Pasta Salad, Taco Salad, and even as a dry rub for chicken, beef or pork. It tastes so much better than the taco seasoning packets and it is so easy to mix up and store.
What toppings do you put on a taco?
The possibilities are simply endless but here a few of my favorites. Ideally set up a taco bar and let your family and friends select which toppings they like the best.
- chopped iceberg lettuce
- chopped tomatoes
- cheddar cheese
- pickled jalapenos
- thinly sliced red onion
- chopped or torn cilantro
- guacamole
- sour cream
- salsa
- thinly sliced jalapenos
- black olives
- chopped avocado
- black beans
More taco recipes you will love!
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Ground Beef Tacos
These scrumptious ground beef tacos made with homemade taco seasoning are quick and easy for busy family weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: main meal beef
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 pinches ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons beef or chicken broth (see notes)
- 8 taco shells (either crunchy or soft)
- Chopped lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, cheddar Jack, Monterey Jack)
- Pickled Jalapenos
Instructions
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef breaking it up as it cooks. About halfway through the browning process add the onion. Cook until the beef is brown and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Turn the heat to low. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, ground cayenne pepper, and beef broth. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Divide beef mixture evenly between the taco shells. Top with desired toppings. Serve promptly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the ground beef.
- Carefully blacken the edges of the corn tortillas right over an open flame on a gas stove using tongs.
- Taco meat can be prepared up to a day in advance and reheated in the microwave. If it get dry simply add a little beef broth or tomato sauce.
- The shells should not be stuffed until ready to eat as they may become soggy and cold.
- For a little extra flavor drizzle your tacos with ranch, chipotle ranch, or fire roasted salsa.
- Store all leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator although tacos are always best eaten as soon as they are prepared.
Keywords: best ground beef taco recipe, ground beef taco seasoning, how to make tacos with ground beef
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Blair Villanueva
I love a good taco and these are one of my favorites. So easy to make at home and they taste so much better than any restaurant I have been to. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Fransic verso
Well, I’ve never made taco seasoning before but good to know that it’s simple. This recipe look so yummy.
Nicole Bertrand
We just had these last night! Delicious way to celebrate taco tuesday!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Yes, indeed! So glad you enjoyed them.
Molly
We just had tacos last night! Excited to try some of these additional accoutrements next time!
★★★★★
heather
Yum! We eat tacos 2-3 times a month. I prefer ground beef but occasionally we use ground turkey as well.
Luna S
I am always down for tacos! I could have them pretty much every night, I love the variety of toppings you can put on them. These look fantastic.
★★★★★
Kelly Bolen
These look amazing! But then again, all tacos look good to me! LOL I will have to pin this for later! Yummy!
★★★★★
Monidipa
I love your recipes but as I’m not a beef person, can I add mutton to it?
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Sure! Enjoy!
Gervin Khan
Wow! This taco recipe is absolutely delicious. I made them again for Taco Tuesday. I totally love them!
★★★★★
Debbie
A fabulous recipe with very great instructions. My husband loved these and he’s a huge fan of ground beef tacos. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Marysa
I love how easy these are to make! Perfect for a Taco Tuesday night! I am going to add them to our regular rotation!
Yeah Lifestyle
This looks delicious and you have given me dinner inspiration now, I know what to make as I am sure my husband and kids would love eating beef tacos
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!!
Mrs. Cherry
Yummy! These look so good. I need to make these!
Rosey
Tacos are fantastic, and I know any meat would work well. I like how versatile they are, and they are great for company too.
Beth Pierce
So true Rosey!!
Melissa Dixon
I love ground beef tacos, these were so good. I am going to have to make them again soon.
Risa Lopez
These are the best tacos and so easy to make! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
★★★★★
Tammy
These was SO delicious! The perfect summer meal…so flavorful and light too. I could have tacos every night!
★★★★★
Talya
I was just thinking about making tacos for dinner tonight! It’s always a winner and so quick and easy to make – perfect for a mid week meal.
Beth Pierce
So true!
Nayna Kanabar
I love the idea of a Taco bar as its so versatile when you have a group of people with different tastes. This way they can select topping of their taste and enjoy the meal. This a great recipe and very crowd pleasing.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Nayna!
Claudia
This recipe can easily make a perfect family weeknight meal. It’s quick and easy but so delicious!
★★★★★
Stephanie
I love that you used your own taco seasoning here instead of the storebought stuff. It’s always better when you can mix it yourself and avoid the added ingredients. And this tasted better, too!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Stephanie! I agree 100% about the taco seasoning!
Sandra
I love a really good soft taco and they’re even better when the shells are amazing. I think tacos will be on the menu for dinner tomorrow for sure.
★★★★★
Mila R
Taco Tuesday is every week, so I need all taco recipes. I love your delicious Ground Beef Taco one!
Michele
ohhhh man those look so good. I might have to make tacos tonight.
Rosey
A classic favorite for a reason. My grandbabe never wants to miss Taco Tuesday.
Ivan Carlo Jose
These are fantastic tacos. What I love about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. I love to top them with pickled jalapenos.
★★★★★
briannemanzb
I love it. This is the perfect family weeknight meal that can be ready in less than 30 minutes!
★★★★★
Bryan
Tacos are still one of my favorite meals! Ground beef is what i usually go with but most any taco makes for good, agreeable comfort food.
Beth Pierce
So true!
Sabrina
My family is obsessed with tacos so I’m always looking for simple delicious recipes and this one did not disappoint! It was so easy to make and so delicious. Thanks for this its a keeper!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Sabrina!
Vicky
Love this recipe. Perfect beef tacos. Something to prepare next weekend, Thanks
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Vicky!!
Claudia Lamascolo
One of our favorite meals I never tire of love the beef tacos
★★★★★
Suja md
One of my favorites! These were absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
★★★★★
Gina
I can always go for tacos! I really enjoyed your taco seasoning. Had great flavor and easy to make. This meal left my husband and I very happy!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Gina! So happy that you and your husband like them!
Dana Sandonato
A classic taco like this just can’t be beat! Stumbled upon this just in time for Taco Tuesday 😉
★★★★★
Tayler Ross
This is my family’s favorite taco recipe! We make it almost every Taco Tuesday!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Tayler! So glad that you like them!
stephanie
Yum! These are really delicious. I love that they have ingredients that I have on hand.
★★★★★
Julia
These tacos have become a staple in our home. So easy to make, even my teens can pulls them off successfully on their own!
★★★★★
Betsy
I DO have all these spices on hand! All the time! Perfect! Makes delicious taco meat. This spice mix is wonderful!
★★★★★
Jacque Hastert
Can’t go wrong with tacos! I love that these beef tacos are spiced with simple spices that I already have on hand. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Suzy
One of our favorite dinners! The kids love it! the homemade seasoning is the best!
★★★★★
Catalina
You said Tacos? Yes, please! My favorite dinner idea!
Toni
This was really amazing! Perfect for taco Tuesday or any night of the week!
★★★★★
Erin
These delicious Ground Beef Tacos are look so fun and tasty!
★★★★★
Dorothy Reinhold
My crew loves Taco Tuesday! I am loving all of the toppings. I am also excited to make my own seasoning mix.
Amanda
These are the best looking tacos I have ever seen!