Spice up your weeknight dinner with these delicious and simple ground beef tacos. Ready in just 30 minutes, these tacos are a family favorite and perfect for a busy night. Top with your choice of fixings, and serve with refried beans or cilantro lime rice.
Set up a taco bar and let your friends and family customize their tacos. For a complete fiesta, serve these with Mexican shrimp cocktails and chicken enchilada soup.
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.
How To Make Ground Beef Tacos
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. About halfway through the browning process, add a little chopped onion.
- Add the spices, salt, pepper, and a little bit of beef or chicken broth, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Scoop the beef mixture into your shells and top with lettuce, sun-ripened tomatoes, shredded cheese, jalapeno rings,
Preparation Tips
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Carefully blacken the edges of the corn tortillas right over an open flame on a gas stove using tongs.
- The shells should not be stuffed until ready to eat, as they may become soggy and cold.
- Drizzle your tacos with ranch, chipotle ranch, or fire-roasted salsa for extra flavor.
Set Up A Taco Bar
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my favorites. Ideally, set up a taco bar and let your family and friends choose their toppings.
- 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
More Taco Recipes
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ 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 the beef mixture evenly between the taco shells. Top with desired toppings. Serve promptly.
Notes
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Ebony
I made these and they were sooooo good! Perfect for Taco Tuesday last night!
Stephanie
Ground beef tacos are one of my son’s favorite meals! He asks for them at least once per week, such a classic dinnertime meal.
Maureen
Yes please! Tacos are one of our food staples here. Not only is it easy to make but it is just so satisfying. I usually make ours with chicken but I should switch things up with beef! I am getting hungry just thinking about it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Maureen! Enjoy!
Jennifer
There’s nothing more comforting to me than a warm, tasty taco! They’re my favorite food! This recipe is delicious. A really keeper!
Nicole
As someone who loves tacos this is perfect bite because it tastes so good, especially if it is beef. Great recipe!
Cathy Jose
Wow! Such a flavorful and fun snack, I love the combination of ingredients and the way they cook it! Perfect appetizer for in home and every gatherings
Kat
Whipping up a taco bar is such a clever way to handle a busy weeknight. Letting everyone customize their own toppings makes the whole meal much more fun. Those sun-ripened tomatoes and jalapeño rings are perfect choices.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kat! I agree 100%
Gerry
Thanks for this fantastic taco recipe. I loved how quick and easy it was. I’m definitely setting up a taco bar next time with all the toppings you suggested. My friends are going to love it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gerry! I hope they love it.
Jacqueline
Seasoning was spot on. I added one onion and garlic. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Jacqueline!
Carol Colborn
I do the same spices but i have to try sauteeing onions with the ground beef!