Description
Crispy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, these Ground Beef Tacos are the ultimate weeknight win. Perfect for a quick dinner, party food, or family taco night, they combine savory seasoned ground beef with crunchy shells and fresh toppings. Whether you’re after easy dinner ideas, kid-friendly meals, or quick food ideas, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple, satisfying, and completely customizable to your taste—an easy recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
0.25 cup water
8 corn taco shells or tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, diced
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup diced onion or pickled red onion
0.25 cup sour cream or guacamole (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Return the skillet to low heat, stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
4. Warm taco shells in the oven or fry corn tortillas for a crisp homemade version.
5. Prepare your toppings: shred lettuce, dice tomato and onion, and get cheese and sauces ready.
6. Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef, followed by cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other toppings as desired.
7. Finish with a squeeze of lime and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Homemade taco seasoning allows you to control the salt and spice levels—customize it to your taste.
For the crispiest shells, fry corn tortillas fresh and drain them well on paper towels.
Let cold toppings sit at room temperature for a few minutes before assembling to avoid chilling the warm taco filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: ground beef tacos, taco night, easy dinner, quick dinner, Mexican food, beef taco recipe, taco Tuesday, food ideas