Easy Ground Beef Tacos are a classic, family-favorite dinner made with seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings. This easy ground beef tacos recipe comes together quickly with simple pantry spices, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Simple ingredients with big flavor
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly
- Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- Lettuce, finely chopped
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Red onion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add tomato paste and water. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes saucy.
- Warm tortillas and fill with seasoned ground beef.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and red onion. Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave for best texture
- Add a splash of water if beef mixture gets too thick
- Toast tortillas lightly for extra flavor
- Adjust spice levels to taste
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-Friendly
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef
- Add lime juice for brightness
- Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal
Nutrition (Approximate per serving, without toppings)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 24 g
FAQ
Can I make ground beef tacos ahead of time?
Yes, the beef mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Are corn or flour tortillas better?
Both work well—corn for traditional flavor, flour for softness.
Can I freeze the taco meat?
Yes, freeze cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How do I make tacos spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
What other toppings work well?
Avocado, salsa, sour cream, or jalapeños are great additions.
Storage
Store leftover ground beef taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Tortillas and toppings should be stored separately.
Similar Recipes
Easy Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- Lettuce finely chopped
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes chopped
- Red onion chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add tomato paste and water. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes saucy.
- Warm tortillas and fill with seasoned ground beef.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and red onion. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef
Conclusion
Easy Ground Beef Tacos are a quick, reliable dinner that never disappoints. With perfectly seasoned beef and endless topping options, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation.