Ground Beef Tacos
Ground Beef Tacos are a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or Taco Tuesday. Seasoned beef is tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh vegetables, cheese, and zesty condiments for a classic Mexican-inspired favorite.
Ingredients
For the beef:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup tomato sauce or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if desired, then cook onion until soft (2–3 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Brown meat: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season: Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce or broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
- Assemble tacos: Spoon beef into tortillas, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: Cook and season the beef up to 2 days in advance, then reheat before serving.
- Healthier option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Low-carb version: Serve in lettuce cups instead of tortillas.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.