If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that feels like a fiesta in every bite, this Ground Beef Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. With perfectly seasoned, juicy ground beef wrapped in crispy, golden tortillas and topped with all your favorite fixings, it’s a celebration of textures and tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick weeknight treat, these tacos are a surefire way to bring smiles and satisfaction to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, creating a flavorful base and the perfect crunchy shell that makes this Ground Beef Tacos Recipe truly special. Each element contributes something unique, from the warm spices that infuse the beef with depth to the fresh toppings that add brightness and texture.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein foundation that’s juicy and versatile for savory tacos.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild, smoky heat that brings out the rich flavor of the beef.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides an earthy, warm undertone essential for authentic taco taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile with a gentle garlic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Infuses a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a hint of herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a slight zing and layers of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the beef mixture to a perfect taco-ready consistency.
- 2/3 cup water: Hydrates and melds the seasoning into the meat.
- 8 taco size flour tortillas (or corn tortillas): The crispy shells that hold all the deliciousness.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): For that irresistible crunch and golden texture on the tortillas.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp bite to your tacos.
- Pico de gallo: Bursts of fresh tomato, onion, and cilantro brighten every mouthful.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado goodness that’s cool and luscious.
- Sour cream: A tangy finish that brings all the elements together.
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it apart using a spatula and cook it until it’s fully browned and cooked through, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the tacos from feeling greasy while still maintaining juicy meatiness.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Cornstarch
Reduce the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch evenly over the cooked beef. This blend of spices drives the rich flavor profile, while the cornstarch will help straighten out the texture once the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Mix the Beef and Spices Thoroughly
Stir everything together carefully to make sure the seasonings coat the beef evenly. This step ensures that each bite has a consistent punch of flavor, locking in the spices and readying the meat for simmering.
Step 4: Simmer with Water
Pour in 2/3 cup of water and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the water to reduce and the cornstarch to thicken the beef mixture to a luscious, saucy texture that’s perfect for taco filling. Once thickened, turn off the heat and set aside.
Step 5: Fry the Tortillas Until Crispy
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to around 350°F (175°C). Take each tortilla and carefully dip and hold it in the hot oil using tongs, shaping it into a taco shell. Fry each tortilla for 30 to 60 seconds until golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil and repeat until all tortillas are perfectly crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part: filling each crispy taco shell with that beautifully seasoned ground beef. Top generously with shredded lettuce, fresh pico de gallo, melting Monterey Jack cheese, creamy guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream. Each layer adds a glorious combination of textures and flavors that make these tacos irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Ground Beef Tacos Recipe is best enjoyed right away, while the shells remain crisp and the ingredients are fresh. Gather your friends and family, serve up these beauties, and watch everyone dive in with smiles all around!
How to Serve Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are what bring your Ground Beef Tacos Recipe to life. Fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness, while a squeeze of lime juice gives a bright, tangy kick. Don’t forget thinly sliced radishes or jalapeños for an extra crunch or heat that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing your tacos with classic sides like Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a light corn salad turns a simple meal into a festive spread. These sides complement the rich, spicy beef while balancing the overall flavor and texture on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Ground Beef Tacos Recipe on a colorful platter with taco shells standing upright in a taco holder or wrapped in foil to keep warm. You can also offer a taco bar with all the toppings individually laid out for everyone to build their personalized taco masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover ground beef or taco shells, store the beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the fried taco shells separate to preserve their crunch; you can re-crisp them gently in a hot oven before serving again.
Freezing
The seasoned ground beef freezes beautifully. Place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. To revive the taco shells’ crispiness, warm them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes before assembling your tacos again.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for this Ground Beef Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully and offer a slightly different texture and flavor. Just be sure to handle them gently when frying, as they can be a bit more delicate.
How spicy is this Ground Beef Tacos Recipe?
The recipe uses mild-to-moderate spices, so it’s flavorful without being too hot. You can always adjust the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
Can I make the taco shells without frying?
Yes, you can forgo frying and warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or oven. They won’t be as crispy but will still taste great for a softer taco experience.
What can I substitute for cornstarch if I don’t have any?
A tablespoon of all-purpose flour works as a good substitute to thicken the beef mixture. Just sprinkle it in with the seasonings and proceed as usual.
How do I keep tacos fresh if I want to prepare them ahead of time?
Prepare the beef filling and toppings separately, and store them in the fridge. Fry or warm the tortillas just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering, this Ground Beef Tacos Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious, these tacos are sure to become a favorite you keep coming back to. So go ahead, grab your skillet and taco shells, and enjoy every savory, crispy bite!
Print
Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Ground Beef Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned, juicy ground beef served in crispy fried tortillas and topped with fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2/3 cup water
Tortillas & Frying
- 8 taco-size flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch in skillet)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add Seasonings: Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch evenly over the cooked beef.
- Mix Seasonings: Stir thoroughly until the seasonings and cornstarch evenly coat the ground beef.
- Simmer Mixture: Pour in the water and stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Fry Tortillas: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Take a flour or corn tortilla and carefully fold it into a taco shape using tongs. Submerge it in the hot oil, holding this shape, and fry until crispy and golden, about 30 to 60 seconds. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill each fried tortilla shell with the seasoned ground beef. Top with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred or for a gluten-free option.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying tortillas to get that perfect crispiness quickly without absorbing too much oil.
- The cornstarch helps thicken the beef mixture, but you can omit it if you prefer a looser filling.
- Customize toppings with jalapeños, cilantro, or salsa for extra flavor.
- To reduce fat, drain the cooked beef well before adding seasonings.
