Classic Ground Beef Tacos
A quick and flavorful ground beef taco recipe seasoned with classic spices, making a perfect weeknight meal or party dish. Customize with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, or guacamole for an irresistible treat.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving plates and taco holders (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder adjust to taste
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional for umami
- 8 small taco shells or tortillas
- Toppings: shredded lettuce diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the mixture: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is flavorful.
- Warm the taco shells: While the beef is simmering, warm taco shells in a dry skillet or oven according to package instructions.
- Assemble tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef into taco shells and top with your favorite toppings.
- Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
- Keywords:
- Ground beef tacos, weeknight dinner, Mexican recipes, taco night, easy beef recipes
- Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Notes
For a healthier version, use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
You can make the taco filling ahead of time and reheat for quick assembly.
Add more spice with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
If you prefer soft tacos, use warm flour or corn tortillas.
You can make the taco filling ahead of time and reheat for quick assembly.
Add more spice with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
If you prefer soft tacos, use warm flour or corn tortillas.