It’s 6pm. You’re tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. These ground beef tacos are your secret weapon for a stress-free night.
This recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort. It is perfect for those busy evenings when everyone is hungry. You can have a hot meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total winner for busy families. You can have a hot meal on the table quickly. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. These ground beef tacos are completely kid-approved every single time.
The homemade spice blend is much better than a packet. It is savory, slightly smoky, and not too spicy. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for any night of the week. Your family will ask for seconds before you even sit down.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these is as easy as browning meat in one skillet. You just cook, spice, and simmer for a few minutes. It is a foolproof method even for beginner cooks. You will feel like a pro in your own kitchen today.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are mostly simple pantry staples and fresh basics.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 corn taco shells or small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced Roma tomatoes
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat.
- Break it into small crumbles until fully browned.
- Carefully drain the rendered fat from the skillet.
- Add all the dry spices to the beef and stir well.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and water.
- Simmer on low for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Warm the taco shells in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Fill shells with meat and top with fresh garnishes.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these tacos family-style right at the kitchen table. Put the toppings in small bowls so everyone can help themselves. This makes dinner interactive and fun for the kids. Pair them with a side of corn or simple rice.
How to Store Leftovers
Store the taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze the cooked meat for later. Reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water. This is perfect for quick weekday lunches.
Tips for Best Results
- Drain the fat for the best meat texture.
- Use a potato masher for extra fine beef crumbles.
- Warm your shells to prevent them from breaking easily.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime for a bright pop.
- Double the batch of meat for easy meal prep.
- Use fresh sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Use soft flour tortillas instead of crunchy corn shells.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Top with creamy avocado or a dollop of sour cream.
Common Questions
Can I make the meat ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the meat a day early. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. It actually tastes even better the next day.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, this recipe is quite mild and family-friendly. The chili powder adds flavor without too much heat. You can always add hot sauce later.
What is the best ground beef to use?
I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. Just be sure to drain the excess fat after browning. This keeps the tacos from being greasy.
I hope these easy tacos make your busy weeknights a little brighter. There is nothing like a simple, warm meal to bring the family together. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup wate r
- 8 corn taco shells or small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced Roma tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef while breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula until fully browned (approximately 7 to 10 minutes).
- Drain the rendered fat from the skillet.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the beef and stir to coat evenly.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid has thickened and the meat is moist.
- Warm the taco shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the tacos by portioning the beef mixture into the shells and topping with shredded lettuce, cheese, and diced tomatoes.
