Can I make the taco meat in advance?

Absolutely! The seasoned beef actually develops even more flavor overnight. Make it up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

How can I make these tacos healthier?

Try using lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey, load up on vegetables as toppings, use whole wheat tortillas, and opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also reduce the salt in the seasoning mix and focus on fresh salsas rather than cheese for flavor.

My tacos always fall apart when eating. How can I prevent this?

Double up on tortillas for extra support, don't overfill, and place wet ingredients (like salsa or sour cream) in the center rather than against the tortilla. Also, warming tortillas makes them more pliable and less likely to crack.

How spicy is this recipe, and how can I adjust it?

As written, this recipe has a mild-to-medium heat level. For milder tacos, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. To increase heat, add more cayenne, use hot salsa, or include fresh diced jalapeños with seeds in your toppings.

Classic Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Description

Delightfully satisfying and easy to make, these ground beef tacos are a classic crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe features a well-seasoned beef filling combined with a mix-and-match selection of fresh and savory toppings, creating a dish that’s endlessly customizable and undeniably delicious. With a prep and cook time under 30 minutes, these tacos are an irresistible choice for a quick, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Beef

1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup salsa (fresh or jarred)

Toppings (Mix and Match)

12 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
1 medium jalapeño, sliced or diced
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup sliced olives

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Instructions

Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and, using a spatula, break up the meat into smaller pieces. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the beef to release its juices and start browning.
Season the Meat
Add the diced onion, chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
Finish Cooking the Filling
Continue cooking the beef mixture for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is fully cooked, and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons in the pan for richness and added flavor.
Add Salsa
Stir the salsa into the cooked beef mixture and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step creates a moist, flavorful taco filling with a touch of zest.
Assemble the Tacos
Serve the seasoned beef hot over flour tortillas. Add your desired toppings from the list above and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaving a little grease in the pan boosts flavor in the tacos.
If you’re short on time or ingredients, you can substitute the spice blend with a pre-packaged taco seasoning mix. Use one 1-ounce taco seasoning packet or 2 tablespoons of jarred taco seasoning.
Warm the tortillas before serving by briefly heating them in a dry skillet for extra pliability and flavor.
This recipe is perfect for a taco bar setup, letting everyone customize their toppings to their liking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 270 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 45