Name: Ground Beef Tacos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup water; 8 small taco-sized tortillas (corn or flour); Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—these ground beef tacos are my go-to solution when I need a fast, satisfying meal. With perfectly seasoned beef and a full spread of toppings, they deliver all the taste of a classic taco night in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these tacos strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The spice mix brings depth and warmth, while the tomato sauce adds just the right touch of sauciness. They’re versatile enough to suit any taco topping I’m craving, and they never fail to satisfy. Best of all, they’re ready in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup tomato sauce

1/4 cup water

8 small taco-sized tortillas (corn or flour)

Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Directions

I start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then I cook the ground beef and chopped onion for about 5–6 minutes, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft. I make sure to drain any excess grease.

Next, I stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant.

I sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir everything well so the meat gets evenly coated with the spices.

Then I pour in the tomato sauce and water, give it all a good stir, and reduce the heat to medium-low.

I let the beef mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, just until it thickens and all the flavors meld together.

While the meat is simmering, I warm the tortillas either in a skillet or in the microwave until they’re soft and pliable.

Once everything’s ready, I spoon the beef mixture into the tortillas and top them with whatever toppings I’m in the mood for.

I always serve them right away with a few lime wedges on the side for that fresh, zesty finish.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 260 kcal per serving

Variations

I like how flexible this recipe is—it’s easy to tweak depending on what I have in the fridge. Sometimes I add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and heartiness. For a spicier version, I’ll throw in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If I’m going low-carb, I skip the tortillas and turn it into a taco salad or serve it in lettuce wraps.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for 1–2 minutes until heated through. I always keep the tortillas and toppings separate until I’m ready to assemble, so everything stays fresh.

Related Recipes:

Pumpkin Pie Tacos

FAQs

How can I make this taco filling less spicy?

If I want to tone down the spice, I reduce the chili powder or skip the smoked paprika. Adding a bit more tomato sauce can also help mellow out the flavor.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, I often swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that they may need a little more seasoning to bring out the same richness.

What kind of tortillas work best?

I switch between corn and flour tortillas depending on what I’m craving. Corn gives a more traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often cook the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge. It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

What are the best toppings for these tacos?

I like to mix and match toppings—shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro are my go-tos. A squeeze of lime juice always takes them up a notch.

Conclusion

These ground beef tacos are my weeknight savior—quick, tasty, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m cooking for the family or just myself, they never disappoint. I love how they bring bold flavors with minimal effort, making taco night something to look forward to every time.

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