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Ground Beef Tacos

Ground Beef Tacos

Ground Beef Tacos are a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal combining juicy, seasoned ground beef with fresh, crisp toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or taco nights, offering layers of taste and easy customization to suit all preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 for juicy, flavorful meat)
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika)
  • 1 small Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Bases and Toppings

  • 8 Small Corn or Flour Tortillas
  • Chopped Cilantro
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Shredded Cheese (such as cotija, queso fresco, or cheddar)
  • Lime Wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop fresh toppings such as tomatoes and cilantro, so everything is ready for assembling the tacos smoothly.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Season the Meat: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef evenly. Add a splash of water if needed and let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the mixture slightly.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over a gas flame for a few seconds per side until soft and pliable, preventing cracking and adding a gentle smoky flavor.
  5. Assemble Your Tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with a generous scoop of seasoned ground beef. Top with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown beef in batches if necessary to ensure a proper sear.
  • Use fresh or recently opened taco seasoning for maximum flavor.
  • Drain excess fat from cooked beef before seasoning for a less greasy filling.
  • Properly warmed tortillas fold easily and enhance the overall taco experience.
  • Prep toppings in advance to save time on busy nights.
  • Leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat beef filling gently with a splash of water to preserve moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ground beef tacos, quick dinner, family meal, Mexican tacos, easy taco recipe, taco night, weeknight dinner