Mom's Dinner

  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soup
    • Instant Pot Beef
    • Instant Pot Chicken
    • Instant Pot Pork
    • Instant Pot Turkey
    • Instant Pot Pasta
    • Instant Pot Vegetarian
  • Dinner
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Mexican
    • Pasta
    • Vegetarian
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
You are here: Home / Recipes / Beef

Easy Ground Beef Tacos

By Susie Weinrich · Date Oct 1, 2024· Leave a Comment · May contain affiliate links.

four ground beef tacos on a table with all the toppings
pinterest image with text
pinterest image with text
↓ Jump to Recipe
Pin the Recipe

Making Ground Beef Tacos at home is super simple! Just about 20 minutes, 1 lb of ground beef, a handful of simple seasonings and you have really delicious Homemade Ground Beef Tacos! Load them up with your favorite taco toppings – salsa, guacamole cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Ground beef tacos in hard shells with toppings

Next time, if you want to change it up from traditional ground beef tacos, check out these recipes for Barbacoa, Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, or Fish Stick Tacos.

Table of Contents hide
1 Why This Recipe Works
2 Ingredients
3 What Ground Beef to Buy
4 Make it Spicy
5 How To Make Ground Beef Tacos
6 Serving
7 Make Ahead
8 Recipe Tips
9 Perfect Side Dishes for Tacos
10 Recipe FAQ’s
11 Related Recipes
12 Did you make this recipe?
13 Easy Ground Beef Taco Recipe + Video

Why This Recipe Works

  • Sometimes you need an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will eat, that is why we love these tacos (and this recipe for Sloppy Joes).
  • You probably have most of the seasonings right in your spice cabinet, no need to buy a pre-mixed packet!
  • This taco recipe has just the right amount of salt. I find that the packaged taco seasoning can be a touch salty.
  • Everything is ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Here are the things that you need to make Homemade Ground Beef Tacos. You can find most of the supplies in your spice cabinet!

Ground beef taco ingredients with labels

What Ground Beef to Buy

I recommend going with a 85/15 ground beef to make tacos.

It will have enough fat content to make it flavorful, but not so much that your tacos are greasy.

For beef tacos, just like chili, it is ok to buy a frozen or vacuum sealed ground beef. This is not the time that you need the very best quality, like in a hamburger.

Make it Spicy

If you like your tacos a little spicier you can add one or all three of these things:

  • Add one chopped up jalapeno and sauté before adding the beef to the skillet. The more seeds and white pith that you add, the hotter it will be!
  • Add a dash or two of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
  • Go heavier on the red pepper flakes.

How To Make Ground Beef Tacos

Start with a large skillet, non stick or stainless steel will both work.

Over medium heat add the oil, once it is hot add the ground beef. Cook through while crumbling.

If there is excess grease in the pan go ahead and drain that before moving on.

ground beef crumbled and cooked in a skillet

Pro Tip – Drain about 90% of the grease. The additional 10% will add nice flavor to your tacos without making them greasy.

Add the tomato paste and stir so that it coats the ground beef.

ground beef coated in tomato paste

Now measure in all the spices – chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

spices and herbs for tacos

Stir the ground beef so it is coated with all the spices.

spices added to cooked ground beef

Finally pour in the water and simmer for a couple minutes until it combines with the spices and tomato paste and coats the ground beef.

Remove from the heat and serve.

homemade taco meat in a skillet

Serving

Serve this ground beef taco meat in hard or soft shell taco or warmed corn tortillas.

Top with all your favorite taco toppings, like pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, diced white onions, jalapenos, guacamole, avocado, etc…

Seasoned ground beef for tacos

Make Ahead

If you want to make this ahead for easier meal prep during the week Simply place in an airtight container for up to 5 days or a freezer safe baggie for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen place in the fridge overnight to thaw, then follow fridge reheating instructions.

To reheat from the fridge place in a skillet with a couple tablespoons of water and heat through. Taste for additional seasoning like salt, cumin, or chili powder.

Recipe Tips

  • Use a ground meat chopper to make quick work of crumbling your ground beef. (see photo below)
  • Make sure your spices are fresh… ground spices/powders last about 1-2 years, while dried herbs can last about 4 years.
  • Use SMOKED paprika for a really delicious flavor. Sweet paprika and paprika will not give you the same flavor.
  • Drain about 90% of the grease from the beef before adding your tomato paste and spices. Leaving too much will make your tacos greasy.
  • For a spicier taco add more red pepper flakes and some cayenne pepper.
ground meat chopper

Perfect Side Dishes for Tacos

Complete your Beef Taco dinner with any of these side dishes:

  • Mexican Rice in a white bowl, picture from above
    Easy Mexican Rice
  • a wooden bowl of cilantro lime slaw
    Cilantro Lime Slaw
  • Mexican Side dish of refried beans topped with cheese, tomatoes and cilantro
    Best 15-Minute Canned Refried Beans
  • homemade salsa in a bowl with cilantro and limes
    Restaurant Style Salsa
  • a salt rimmed glass with a classic margarita garnished with a lime
    Classic Margarita on the Rocks
  • a bowl of fresh avocado guacamole with a chip dipping in
    Holy Guacamole, That’s Good Guac

Recipe FAQ’s

What is the best ground beef for tacos?

I recommend using an 85/15 ground beef for tacos. It is fatty enough to have great flavor, but not too fatty to leave you with greasy tacos.

Do you drain ground beef before adding taco seasoning?

Yes! If your ground beef has rendered more than a tablespoon of fat in the browning process then I highly recommend you drain that grease before adding the taco seasonings.

What do you put inside a taco?

Start by laying down a nice helping of warm seasoned ground beef, then top with shredded cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo or salsa, guacamole or avocados, and shredded lettuce. For a little spice you can also add diced jalapeno.

Related Recipes

  • burrito on a plate with mexican rice
    Easy Smothered Burritos
  • beef enchilada Casserole with a slice cut out so you can see the layers of corn tortillas, beef, cheese and sauce
    Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
  • zucchini boat enchiladas in a casserole pan
    Enchilada Zucchini Boats

Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

💛💛💛💛💛

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipe→
four ground beef tacos in a row with pico de gallo and sour cream

Easy Ground Beef Taco Recipe + Video

Take 1 lb. of ground beef and some seasonings and spices and make the very best ground beef tacos. No need to buy a pre-mixed package of spices when you already have them in your spice cabinet!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 325kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef - I recommend buying 85/15
  • 1 ½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon each: chili powder & cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon each: onion powder & garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • ⅓ cup water

Serving

  • soft or hard taco shells, or warmed corn tortillas
  • Toppings: cheese, sour cream, lettuce, cilantro, - homemade salsa , pico de gallo, or guacamole

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat add the olive oil. Once it is hot add the ground beef. Crumble while it browns and cooks through.
    Pro Tip – If you are using a non stick skillet you may not need the additional olive oil.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 lb ground beef
  • Drain excess grease.
    Pro Tip: drain about 90% of the grease. Leaving some behind will add to the flavor of the tacos
  • Stir the tomato paste into the ground beef until it coats all the crumbles.
    1 ½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • Add the seasonings – chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
    Stir to coat the ground beef.
    1 teaspoon each: chili powder & cumin, ½ teaspoon each: onion powder & garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Pour in the water and simmer for about 2 minutes.
    ⅓ cup water
  • Remove from the heat and serve.
  • Serve the seasoned ground beef in soft or hard taco shells topped with all your favorite taco toppings.
    Excellent served with a margarita, 15 minute refried beans, and Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd!
Make Ahead: prepare completely and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or place in a freezer in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
When reheating add a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth and then taste for additional seasoning like salt, cumin and chili powder.
Recipe Tips: 
  • Use a ground meat chopper to make quick work of crumbling your ground beef. (see photo above the recipe)
  • Make sure your spices are fresh… ground spices/powders last about 1-2 years, while dried herbs can last about 4 years.
  • Use SMOKED paprika for a really delicious flavor. Sweet paprika and paprika will not give you the same flavor.
  • Drain about 90% of the grease from the beef before adding your tomato paste and spices. Leaving too much will make your tacos greasy.
  • For a spicier taco add and sauté a jalapeno, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes and/or some cayenne pepper.
 
**Nutrition is only calculated for the seasoned ground beef, not the taco shell or toppings.
 
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
Jump to Comments
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 561mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

No Comments

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

We would love to have you comment & rate the recipe! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Susie in the kitchen with an apron on getting ready to cook

Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

YOU will feel like a huge success at dinner time with any of the simple recipes on Mom's Dinner! Read More

Helpful Meal Planning Resources

  • a table with white place settings and green garland
    Easy Meals for House Guests
  • a round table with a large family eating dinner
    30 Easy Meals for a Large Group on Vacation
woman owned small business certificate by Sertify

Amazing New Recipes

  • Pulled pork sandwich coated in barbecue sauce served on a sesame bun topped with pickled onions.
    Fall-Apart Oven Baked Pulled Pork
  • Dinner plate serving a barbecue bacon cheeseburger with onion rings and curly fries on the side.
    Over-The-Top BBQ Bacon Burger
  • A hand dipping a strawberry into marshmallow fruit dip
    Marshmallow Fluff Fruit Dip
  • Top view of a prepared Veggie Lo Mein in a skillet with snow peas and bell peppers.
    Simple Lo Mein With Veggies

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Susie Weinrich
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Contact

  • Sign Up! for emails
  • Contact Me!
  • Join Me On YouTube

Recipes

  • Recipe By Category
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes

Copyright © 2025 Mom's Dinner

Rate & Review This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.