Effortless Weeknight Beef Tacos

Simple Ground Beef Tacos Recipe: Quick, Easy & Delicious

Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love? These Simple Ground Beef Tacos are the perfect solution! Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re a fantastic option for a simple taco night at home. If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, check out these 9 Absolutely Delicious Ground Turkey Recipes!

Taco Tuesday is a favorite in many households, and for good reason! The possibilities are endless when it comes to tacos. From the variety of taco fillings to the countless toppings you can choose, tacos offer a customizable and delicious meal experience.

This ground beef taco meat recipe is perfect for a quick and simple dinner. With homemade taco meat and your favorite toppings, it’s a budget-friendly meal that makes it a weeknight favorite for many families.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Taco Recipe

the best ground beef tacos

One of the best things about this ground beef taco recipe is how customizable it is. You can create a simple base for the tacos and then let everyone build their tacos to their liking. This makes it a great option for even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a super quick dinner recipe that can be made in less than 15 minutes. It’s also a go-to recipe for using up a pound of ground beef when you’re short on time and haven’t prepped anything.

Ground Beef Tacos Ingredients

ground beef taco ingredients
  • Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture, or lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • Taco Seasoning: Keep it simple with prepared taco seasoning, or use homemade taco seasoning for a personalized flavor.
  • Tomato Paste: A little tomato paste helps to thicken the taco meat and add richness.
  • Water: Water is used as the cooking liquid to help the flavors meld together.
  • Pinto Beans: Drained and rinsed pinto beans add even more protein and flavor to this easy ground beef taco recipe. Black beans can also be used.
  • Tortillas: Choose your favorite tortillas – small flour tortillas, white corn tortillas (street taco size works great), or even hard shell tortillas.
  • Taco Toppings: The sky’s the limit! Our favorite taco toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime wedges. Get creative and add your own personal touch!

How to Make Ground Beef Tacos: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make delicious ground beef tacos at home:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

add beans and tomato paste to meat
  1. Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned—about 7 minutes.
  3. Drain any excess grease with a strainer if needed.
  4. Stir in the drained and rinsed pinto beans.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

make taco mixture
  1. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

warm tortillas
make up tacos
  1. Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
  2. Use a wooden spoon to spoon the seasoned ground beef into each tortilla.
  3. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
  4. Serve with tortilla chips and Mexican rice for a complete meal.
the best ground beef tacos















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Simple Ground Beef Tacos

By:

Julia Pacheco
Simple Ground Beef Tacos is a great way to make a simple dinner recipe for the whole family in less than 15 minutes.
Prep:

3
minutes


Cook:

10
minutes


Total:

13
minutes


Servings:
4

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Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon