Description
Crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, these Ground Beef Tacos are your go-to for a quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, or casual gathering. Packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and your choice of shells, they’re fully customizable and ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, quick meals, or family-friendly recipes, these tacos check every box. This is one of the best food ideas to turn pantry staples into a crave-worthy meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup tomato sauce or 2 tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup beef broth or water
8 to 10 crispy taco shells or corn tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
½ cup guacamole
Pickled red onions (optional)
Fresh lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
4. Toast taco shells in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes or warm tortillas on a skillet.
5. Spoon beef into each shell. Top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes or pico de gallo, and any extras like guacamole or pickled onions.
6. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture and flavor — it melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t skip toasting the taco shells — it brings out flavor and helps them stay crisp longer.
Simmering the beef after seasoning is essential — it lets the spices develop and soak into the meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef tacos, easy taco recipe, taco night, quick dinner, weeknight meals