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
