Ground Beef Tacos
These ground beef tacos are simple, yet full of flavor. The beef is cooked with just the right blend of spices — like chili powder, garlic, cumin, and a little paprika — to give it that warm, smoky taste. Pile it into crunchy taco shells or soft tortillas, then add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. Everyone can make their taco just the way they like it, which makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or serving spoon
- Small bowls or ramekins
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 works best
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, if beef is very lean
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup water or beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste optional, adds richness
For Serving:
- 8 taco shells or small tortillas hard or soft, your choice!
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa or hot sauce
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prep your ingredients.
- Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. If you’re using fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, or avocado, go ahead and get those ready now too. This makes everything easier once the cooking starts.
Heat your skillet.
- Place your skillet over medium heat. If your ground beef is lean, add the olive oil first to keep things from sticking. Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef.
Brown the beef.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into crumbles. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until it's browned and no longer pink.
- Pro Tip: Don’t stir too much at the beginning — let the beef sit a bit to get a nice sear!
Add onions and garlic.
- Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic smells amazing.
Season it up.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the beef evenly.
Add water and tomato paste.
- Pour in the water (or beef broth) and stir in the tomato paste if you’re using it. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens a bit and the flavors blend.
- Pro Tip: Let it simmer uncovered — it helps the flavor concentrate without getting soupy.
Warm your taco shells or tortillas.
- While the meat is finishing up, warm the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes or heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Warm shells = better tacos!
Assemble your tacos.
- Spoon the beef mixture into your shells, then add your favorite toppings — cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and whatever else you love.
Serve and enjoy!
- Serve with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. And don’t forget napkins — these can get a little messy in the best way!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400–500 kcal
- Protein: ~22–25g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~30–35g
- Fiber: ~3–5g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~500–700mg
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.