Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos are a classic and easy-to-make dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite. With a seasoned beef filling, warm tortillas, and your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, taco nights, or parties. The simplicity and customizability make them a go-to meal for all ages.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefoniongarlicchili powderground cuminpaprikadried oreganosaltblack peppertomato pastewatercorn or flour tortillastoppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, or jalapeños
directions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the meat.
Add tomato paste and a splash of water. Stir and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.
Warm the tortillas in a skillet, microwave, or directly over a flame for a few seconds on each side.
Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla and add your desired toppings.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people (8 tacos).Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Top with crumbled queso fresco or pickled onions for a twist.
Try hard taco shells instead of soft tortillas for crunch.
storage/reheating
Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.Warm fresh tortillas before serving leftovers for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make the taco meat ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 3 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust the spices or add hot sauce to taste.
Can I freeze the cooked taco meat?
Yes, store in freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before using.
What type of tortilla is best?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well—choose based on preference.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat and follow the same steps.
Do I need to drain the beef?
If using high-fat beef, drain excess grease before adding seasonings.
Conclusion
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos are a flavorful, fast, and flexible meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and endless topping options, they’re ideal for busy nights or festive gatherings. Once you try them, you’ll see why tacos are a staple in so many kitchens.
Print
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious and easy Mexican ground beef tacos made with seasoned beef and served in warm taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add tomato sauce and water, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Spoon the beef mixture into taco shells and top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to your taste by adding more or less chili powder.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Tacos are best served fresh but beef mixture can be made ahead and reheated.