Ground Beef Tacos

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Delicious and easy to make, these ground beef tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

Phoebe Drake

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2025-12-24T13:42:39.410Z

Ground beef tacos are a classic dish that combines savory seasoned beef with fresh toppings. These tacos are not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit everyone’s taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Savory and seasoned ground beef that packs a punch of flavor
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze

The Perfect Taco Night

Taco night is a classic favorite in many households, and for good reason. It's a fun and interactive meal that brings everyone together. Whether you’re serving it up on a casual weeknight or for a festive gathering, ground beef tacos are always a hit. The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility—each person can customize their own to their liking, making it a meal that caters to everyone’s tastes.

The combination of savory ground beef, fresh toppings, and crispy taco shells creates a delightful textural experience. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it hard to resist going back for another. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family.

Choosing Your Toppings

One of the best aspects of making ground beef tacos is the endless possibilities for toppings. You can keep it classic with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese, or get creative with ingredients like guacamole, jalapeños, or black olives. Each topping adds its own unique flavor and texture, allowing for a personalized taco experience.

Don't forget about the sauces! A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy richness, while salsa can bring a tangy kick. For those who like it spicy, consider adding hot sauce or fresh chilies. Mixing and matching toppings allows everyone to enjoy their tacos just the way they like them.

Meal Prep Made Easy

If you’re looking for a way to streamline your weeknight dinners, this ground beef taco recipe is a fantastic option. You can prepare the seasoned beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. This means that when you’re ready to eat, all you need to do is warm it up and assemble your tacos.

You can also set up a taco bar with all the toppings laid out for everyone to help themselves. This not only makes for a fun dining experience but also minimizes cleanup. Meal prepping not only saves time but also ensures you have a delicious, fulfilling meal ready to go at a moment's notice.

Ingredients

For the Tacos

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 8 taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Salsa (optional)

Feel free to add any additional toppings you love!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Season the Beef

Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Taco Shells

Meanwhile, warm the taco shells according to package instructions.

Assemble the Tacos

Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and any additional toppings you desire.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious tacos!

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Tacos

To achieve the best flavor in your ground beef tacos, consider using a high-quality taco seasoning mix or making your own from scratch using spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. This allows you to control the heat and flavor profile to suit your preferences.

When cooking the ground beef, be sure to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and prevents large chunks that can make the tacos difficult to fill and eat. A wooden spoon or spatula works great for this task.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover seasoned ground beef, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can easily reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, ensuring it's heated through before serving.

Taco shells can also be stored, but it’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispiness. If you find that they’ve gone a bit soft, you can quickly warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative.

→ Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the tacos.

→ What toppings can I use?

You can use avocado, jalapeños, or any of your favorite taco toppings.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Ground Beef Tacos

Delicious and easy to make, these ground beef tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Phoebe Drake

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Tacos

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  3. 8 taco shells
  4. 1 cup shredded lettuce
  5. 1 cup diced tomatoes
  6. 1 cup shredded cheese
  7. Sour cream (optional)
  8. Salsa (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Meanwhile, warm the taco shells according to package instructions.

Step 04

Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and any additional toppings you desire.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 6g