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Homemade Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos photo

Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos

These Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos are bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Beef, Easy, Quick, Tacos
Servings: 4 servings

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.