Our go-to Beef Taco Recipe with the juiciest ground beef taco meat. Beef tacos are perfect for easy entertaining or busy weeknights, and they always get rave reviews!
We love taco parties and usually go between these ground beef tacos or our famous fish tacos. You can prep the taco meat and toppings in advance, then everyone builds their own tacos. Talk about stress-free entertaining!
If you are looking to feed a smaller crowd, you can easily cut all of the ingredients in half, and the taco meat will cook even faster. You can also make the full batch and freeze leftovers for a future dinner. If you want to really take these to the next level, make sure you try our easy Homemade Hard Taco Shells.
What Makes These the BEST Beef Tacos?
It’s all in the ground beef taco meat, and this recipe does not disappoint. These beef tacos are:
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EASY
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Only 4 ingredients
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A 1-pan recipe
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15 minutes cooking time
What Kind of Ground Beef for Tacos?
You want to use ground beef with a fat content between 80-90% – nothing overly lean or fatty. If you do have fattier beef on hand, no worries, you can spoon out the excess fat from the pan before adding the tomatoes.
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos
The beef taco meat comes together in one pan in about 15 minutes. You end up with tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned beef.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs of ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, or until no longer pink. Skim off any excess fat if desired. -
Add Tomatoes & Spices:
Add 2 cans of Rotel tomatoes with green chilis, 1 tsp of chili powder, and 1 tsp of salt. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked, and most of the tomato liquid has evaporated (about 7 to 10 minutes).
Taco Toppings for Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are so versatile when it comes to toppings. Here are some of our favorites:
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Shredded iceberg lettuce
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Sour cream
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Limes cut into wedges
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Cilantro sprigs
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Sliced jalapeños (fresh or canned)
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Sliced avocado
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Diced tomatoes
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Sliced green onions or diced red onions
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Corn tortillas or homemade hard taco shells
How to Toast Tortillas for Tacos
Soft corn tortillas should be toasted just before serving to keep them fresh and warm. Toast only as many as you need. Always use a dry skillet (no oil required), and do not overheat the tortillas or they will become dry.
Step-by-Step:
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Preheat a Non-stick Pan:
Heat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. -
Toast the Tortillas:
Place tortillas in a single layer and toast for 15-30 seconds on each side until hot and barely starting to turn golden. -
Keep Warm:
Remove the tortillas to a plate and wrap them loosely with foil to keep them warm.
Final Assembly and Serving:
Once the beef is ready and the tortillas are toasted, it’s time to assemble the tacos:
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Place a heaping spoonful of the seasoned beef onto each tortilla.
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Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and a spoonful of mango salsa (or your preferred salsa).
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Add cilantro sprigs, a sprinkle of chili powder, and squeeze fresh lime juice just before eating.
Tips for Perfect Beef Tacos
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Customize toppings: Feel free to add more toppings like cheese, diced onions, or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
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Make taco bar style: Set up a taco bar for family or friends to build their own tacos, allowing everyone to choose their preferred toppings.
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Freeze leftovers: Leftover taco meat can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat for future taco nights.
Serving Suggestions
Ground beef tacos are perfect on their own or paired with a variety of sides. Try serving them with:
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Mexican rice or refried beans for a hearty meal.
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Guacamole and chips for an appetizer or side dish.
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A refreshing drink, like iced tea or a cold margarita, to complement the savory flavors.
Final Thoughts:
This Ground Beef Taco recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. With its easy preparation, customizable toppings, and delicious flavor, it’s perfect for taco night, parties, or busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. Whether you serve it in corn tortillas, hard taco shells, or lettuce wraps, everyone will love these tacos! Enjoy!
Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 small tacos
Description
Looking for the best Ground Beef Taco recipe? This quick and easy taco meat is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for taco nights, parties, or busy weeknights! Customize with your favorite toppings like mango salsa, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and more. These beef tacos are a hit every time, and you can even make homemade taco shells!
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
2 lbs ground beef chuck (10% to 20% fat)
20 oz Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilis (Two 10 oz cans with juice)
1 tsp chili powder (plus more for serving)
1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
To Serve Beef Tacos:
20 small yellow corn tortillas (or homemade hard taco shells)
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
2/3 cup sour cream, for topping
2 limes, cut into wedges
1/4 bunch cilantro sprigs, for serving.
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Use a spoon to skim off most of the excess fat, leaving about 2-3 Tbsp in the pan.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Add 2 cans of Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilis, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt to the pan. Stir and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure most of the tomato liquid evaporates, leaving a thicker consistency.
Toast the Tortillas
In a separate dry non-stick pan, heat over medium-high heat. Place the corn tortillas in a single layer and toast them for 15-30 seconds on each side until hot and barely starting to turn golden. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Assemble the Tacos
To serve, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, mango salsa, cilantro sprigs, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle with additional chili powder if desired. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of juice just before eating.
Notes
Tips for Success:
Use ground beef with 10% to 20% fat for the juiciest and most flavorful taco meat.
Skim off excess fat during cooking to avoid greasy tacos, but leave a little fat for flavor.
Toast tortillas just before serving to keep them warm and fresh, and avoid them becoming dry.
Customize your toppings! Mango salsa adds a sweet and spicy twist, but you can also use diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or hot sauce.
For a fun twist, make Homemade Hard Taco Shells to elevate your taco experience!
FAQs about Ground Beef Tacos:
Can I use a different kind of meat for tacos?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just adjust the seasoning to match your protein.
Can I freeze taco meat for later?
Yes, this beef taco meat freezes well! After cooking, cool it down and store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to use.
How can I make the tacos spicier?
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to your beef mixture or as a topping. You can also use a spicier salsa for an extra kick.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas will work just fine! Just toast them in the same way as the corn tortillas for the best texture.
Meal Prep Ideas:
These Ground Beef Tacos are perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch of taco meat, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use the beef for tacos, burritos, or even taco salads. You can also freeze the beef for a quick meal later on.
Leftover Taco Meat Ideas:
Taco Salad: Layer taco meat over a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad toppings like cheese, avocado, and salsa.
Taco Quesadillas: Spread taco meat on a tortilla, add cheese, fold, and toast until crispy.
Taco Stuffed Peppers: Use leftover taco meat to stuff bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
