Beef tacos are a tasty Mexican dish with ground beef, taco shells, cheese, and fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. They are quick to make and perfect for a casual meal or a fun dinner night.
I like to add a little hot sauce or hot sauce on the side. Sometimes I sneak in a spoonful of sour cream—makes it even more delicious!
For an easy meal, set out all your toppings and let everyone build their own tacos. It’s fun and everyone gets what they like best!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 90% lean for flavor without excess fat. I like to season it well for a rich taste. If you prefer turkey or chicken, they work well too—just be mindful of seasoning adjustments.
Taco Seasoning: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. I make my own for freshness and control over salt. Store-bought works too—look for low-sodium options if needed.
Tortillas: Flour or corn; both hold fillings well. I prefer soft, warm flour tortillas for tenderness. For a gluten-free option, try corn or gluten-free wraps—they taste great with beef too.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend adds melty goodness. I like a sharp cheddar for flavor. Mozzarella can be a milder substitute, and for a dairy-free version, try shredded vegan cheese.
Toppings: Lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Fresh toppings brighten up the dish. For quick prep, use pre-washed lettuce and pre-chopped produce if you’re short on time.
How do I cook the beef evenly without burning it?
Start with a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Break the beef into small pieces and spread it out in the pan. Let it sear for a minute, then stir. Repeat until evenly browned, about 8-10 minutes. This prevents burning and undercooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron for even heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Stir occasionally so all pieces brown evenly.
- Drain excess fat if there’s too much, which helps avoid splatters and burning.
How to Make Beef Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving
- 8 small taco shells or tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total: 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients to make the cooking process smooth.
2. Cook the beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart as it cooks.
3. Add onions and garlic
Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
4. Season the beef
Mix in taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Prepare the taco shells
While the beef simmers, warm taco shells or tortillas in the oven or microwave for a few seconds.
6. Assemble the tacos
Fill each shell with beef, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream if desired.
