Tacos are a beloved staple in many households, and it’s no wonder why! They are simple to prepare, customizable, and bursting with flavor. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of seasoned ground beef sizzling on the stovetop, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for the Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these tacos stand out is the perfect blend of homemade taco seasoning, the richness of tomato paste, and the simplicity of preparation. With the addition of fresh toppings, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. The use of lean ground beef ensures that the dish is not only tasty but also relatively healthy. Plus, these tacos come together in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal weeknight dinner option!
Ingredient Notes
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Opt for 90% lean or higher for a healthier option. This ensures a flavorful taco without excess grease.
- 3 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning or store-bought: Using homemade taco seasoning allows you to control the spices and flavors, but store-bought is a great time-saver!
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This adds depth and richness to the beef, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 cup water: Used to help the spices and tomato paste meld together, creating a cohesive filling.
- 6-8 taco shells: Choose hard or soft shells based on your preference. Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option!
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend will add a creamy texture that complements the beef.
- Chopped lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the meat.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide a juicy burst of flavor.
- Sliced olives: Black or green olives can add a salty kick that many taco lovers enjoy.
- Chopped avocado: Creamy avocado elevates the dish and adds healthy fats.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Skillet: A large skillet is essential for browning the ground beef evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up the meat and mixing in the seasonings.
- Measuring spoons: To accurately measure out your taco seasoning and tomato paste.
- Chopping board and knife: For preparing your fresh toppings.
- Serving platter: To present your delicious tacos and toppings attractively.
Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos — Do This Next
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pound of lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary, although lean beef typically doesn’t have much.
Step 2: Add Seasoning
Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 cup of water. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated in the seasoning and tomato paste.
Step 3: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly, creating a flavorful filling.
Step 4: Prepare Taco Shells
While the beef is simmering, prepare your taco shells according to the package instructions. If you’re using hard shells, you may want to bake them for a few minutes to enhance their crunch. For soft tortillas, warm them in a skillet or microwave.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Take a taco shell and fill it with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped avocado. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the assembled tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately. Encourage your guests to customize their tacos with additional toppings as they please. Enjoy the feast!
Variations for Dietary Needs
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian taco.
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional taco shells.
- Low-Carb: Opt for a low-carb tortilla or skip the shell entirely and serve the taco filling in a bowl with toppings.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to add additional spices like cumin or chili powder to the taco seasoning for extra kick. You can also incorporate sautéed onions and bell peppers into the beef mixture for added flavor and texture. The Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos are perfect for taco night, but they also make a fantastic filling for burritos or taco salads!
- For meal prep, prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Leftover beef can be frozen for up to three months. Just reheat and use it whenever you’re craving tacos!
- Consider setting up a taco bar with a variety of toppings to let everyone build their own masterpiece.
Save It for Later
If you love this recipe as much as I do, don’t forget to save it for your next taco night! You can print it out or bookmark it so you can find it easily when it’s time to whip up a batch of Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Quick Q&A
Can I make the taco seasoning from scratch?
Absolutely! A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt works beautifully. Just mix together 1 tablespoon of each spice for a quick homemade seasoning.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top of your finished tacos for an extra kick!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and offers a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since ground turkey may require a bit less time to cook through.
What sides go well with these tacos?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad make excellent accompaniments to your Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos. Don’t forget to serve some tortilla chips with salsa for a complete meal!
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Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to bring this recipe to life! Gather your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy the Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just looking for a quick meal, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!
Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef Opt for 90% lean or higher
- 3 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 6-8 taco shells hard or soft shells
- Shredded cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced olives Black or green
- Chopped avocado
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pound of lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 cup of water. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated in the seasoning and tomato paste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly, creating a flavorful filling.
- While the beef is simmering, prepare your taco shells according to the package instructions. If you’re using hard shells, you may want to bake them for a few minutes to enhance their crunch. For soft tortillas, warm them in a skillet or microwave.
- Take a taco shell and fill it with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped avocado. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
- Arrange the assembled tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately. Enjoy the feast!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping Board
- Knife
- Serving Platter
Notes
- For meal prep, prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Leftover beef can be frozen for up to three months. Just reheat and use it whenever you’re craving tacos!
- Consider setting up a taco bar with a variety of toppings to let everyone build their own masterpiece.
