Ground Beef tacos are always a hit, and when they come together in just 30 minutes, they’re a total weeknight win. This easy recipe packs a big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Picture perfectly seasoned ground beef nestled in warm tortillas, then piled high with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing setup that lets everyone customize their taco just the way they like it—no fuss, all flavor. Make sure you whip up a batch of homemade pico de gallo and tortilla chips for the side!!
Ingredients That Elevate the Flavor
- Ground Beef: Start with lean ground beef, and brown it in a skillet, then add your favorite taco seasoning—store-bought or homemade both work great. Add a splash of water to help the spices coat the meat and simmer into a rich, flavorful filling.
- Tortillas: Choose between soft corn or flour tortillas make the perfect base for holding all that goodness.
- Toppings: Keep it classic with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and plenty of cheeses.
- Finishes: Upgrade your tacos sour cream, salsa, taco sauce, fresh jalapenos, and queso!
Pro Tips for Taco Night Success
- When cooking the beef, don’t overcrowd the pan. Break it up with a spatula for even cooking.
- Let the seasoned beef simmer for a few minutes. It thickens the mixture and intensifies the flavor.
- Heat your tortillas in a skillet for 30 seconds per side. This helps them stay soft and pliable..
- Store fresh toppings in the fridge until right before serving to keep them crisp and refreshing.
How to Store and Reheat Beef Tacos
You can prep the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—just cool it completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave and assemble tacos fresh for best results.
If you’re prepping for a party, chop all toppings ahead and store them in individual containers. That way, assembling your taco bar is a breeze.
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 8 small tortillas, flour or corn
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until soft and warm.
- Add seasoned beef to each tortilla and top with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Add sour cream and salsa as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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