Easy homemade tacos with ground beef are one of my go-ways to feed a crowd! And while I strive to share authentic recipes, this meal strays from traditional Mexican cuisine to bring you the American taco nights of my childhood. For more easy dinner ideas, try one of these ground beef recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipes
Growing up, my family rotated a handful of throw-together recipes to keep grocery shopping affordable. One dish I always looked forward to was ground beef tacos. They are easy to make, delicious, and come together quickly.
I must have passed down my love for this meal to my son because he was excited to share the recipe with others, saying, “Everyone should know how to make these so they can feed it to their kids.” You got it, kid! There is something special about childhood meals – even if they’re simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas are the best way to serve homemade tacos. Be sure to read my article on how to heat corn tortillas.
- Oil: Sauté the onions in oil before browning the ground beef.
- Onion: The onions simmer with the ground beef mixture and taco seasoning for the best flavor. Use yellow or white onions for this recipe.
- Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef to make the tacos, but you can replace it with ground chicken, turkey, or Beyond Meat for a vegetarian option.
- Garlic: I suggest using two garlic cloves, but measure with your heart.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro brightens the meal, but leave them out if they are not your thing.
- Taco Seasoning: My mom’s tried and true taco seasoning growing up was Ortega’s Taco Seasoning. If you’re concerned about excess salt, try this low-sodium taco seasoning.
- Toppings: Maybe it’s just me, but taco nights are all about the toppings. Prepare a taco bar spread with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, guacamole, and Tapatio. You can also include black olives, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, salsa verde, chunky salsa, or pico de gallo.
How to Make Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Warm corn tortillas on the stovetop or in the oven and set them aside in a cloth or tortilla keeper so they retain their heat.
Step 2: Warm the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they soften, for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and break it up using a meat chopper. Cook until brown and heated through for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the diced tomato, garlic, and chopped cilantro.
Step 5: Season with the taco seasoning, and mix to combine. Cover and simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Spoon the ground beef into corn tortillas and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips
- If using ground beef with a higher fat content, you can drain the excess grease after the meat cooks or continue to cook the ground beef until the beef absorbs the liquid.
If you enjoy this meal, try one of these Mexican recipes!
Serving Suggestions
- Grains: Vegan Mexican Rice, Cilantro-Lime Rice
- Beans: Black Beans, Refried Beans
- Vegetables: Corn on the Cob, Elotes Mexicano
- Sauces: Guacamole, Pico De Gallo, Mango Pico De Gallo, Chunky Salsa, Pineapple Corn Salsa, Salsa Verde, Avocado Lime Crema
What to do with the Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover ground beef and toppings in separate airtight containers for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Let the beef cool, and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. To prevent freezer burn, you can layer plastic wrap over the container before securing the lid. Homemade tacos freeze for 2-3 months.
- Thaw: Defrost the ground beef mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat: Warm the leftover meat on the stovetop and prepare your sides.
- Repurpose: If you don’t feel like making tacos for the second night, you can make taco soup, enchiladas, nachos, sliders, quesadillas, breakfast burritos, and Mexican pizza with ground beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ground beef is best for tacos?
I prefer lean ground beef for homemade tacos. You can use ground beef with more fat, but you will need to continue cooking the ground beef over medium-high heat until the meat reabsorbs the fat or drain the grease before adding the taco seasoning.
More Mexican Recipes:
Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef
- corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1½ pounds ground beef, 80/20
- 1 Roma tomato, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Warm corn tortillas on the stovetop or in the oven and set them aside in a cloth or tortilla keeper so they retain their heat.
- Warm the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they soften, for about 10 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and break it up using a meat chopper. Cook until brown and heated through for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomato, garlic, and chopped cilantro. Season with the taco seasoning, and mix to combine. Cover and simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
- Spoon the ground beef into corn tortillas and garnish with your favorite toppings.
- If using ground beef with a higher fat content, you can drain the excess grease after the meat cooks or continue to cook the ground beef until the beef absorbs the liquid.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Lynn
Wednesday 19th of October 2022
These were perfect for the whole family.
Tressa Jamil
Wednesday 19th of October 2022
Our kids beg for these tacos; I'm happy you enjoyed them.