Ground beef tacos are one of those meals that never gets old, no matter how many times you make them.
They’re fast, flavorful, and everyone at the table loves them.
But the best part? You can have these on the table in about 25 minutes flat.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a crispy corn shell loaded with perfectly seasoned beef and all the fresh toppings you can pile on.
It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Tacos
These tacos hit all the right notes. You’ve got savory, well-seasoned beef paired with cool, crunchy toppings.
The whole thing comes together so quickly that it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Plus, everyone gets to customize their own taco with their favorite toppings. It’s basically a build-your-own dinner situation, and who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list here is refreshingly simple.
You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, which is the star of the show. Lean or 80/20 both work great.
For seasoning, grab a packet of taco seasoning and about 2/3 cup of water to create that saucy coating on the meat.
Then it’s all about the shells and toppings. Pick up 8 crunchy taco shells, some shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, sour cream, and a lime for squeezing.
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Then stir in the taco seasoning and water.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every bit of meat. That’s where all the magic happens.
While the beef simmers, warm your taco shells according to the package directions. Most just need a few minutes in the oven.
Now comes the fun part. Load up each shell with a generous scoop of seasoned beef, then pile on the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and a dollop of sour cream.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and you’re good to go!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Tacos
Don’t skip draining the fat after browning the beef. It makes a huge difference in the final texture and flavor.
Let the seasoned meat simmer long enough for the sauce to really thicken. You want it to cling to the beef, not pool at the bottom of the shell.
Warming your taco shells is a must. Cold shells tend to crack and break apart, while warm ones are much more pliable and tasty.
For the toppings, make sure your lettuce and tomatoes are nice and cold. That contrast between the hot, savory beef and cool, crisp veggies is what makes these tacos so irresistible.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos
These tacos pair beautifully with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete Tex-Mex spread.
A simple side of chips and guacamole never hurts, either.
For a lighter option, try a quick corn and black bean salad dressed with lime juice and cilantro. It’s fresh, bright, and complements the tacos perfectly.
Ground Beef Tacos
For the Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 2/3 cup water
- 8 crunchy taco shells
For the Toppings
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until fully browned (about 7-8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- While the beef simmers, warm the taco shells according to package directions.
- Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, onion, and sour cream.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve immediately.
Storage: Leftover seasoned beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For softer tacos, use flour tortillas warmed in a dry skillet.
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
For the Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or lean
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
- 2/3 cup water
- 8 crunchy taco shells
For the Toppings
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until fully browned (about 7-8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- While the beef simmers, warm the taco shells according to package directions.
- Fill each taco shell with seasoned beef, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, onion, and sour cream.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve immediately.
Notes
For softer tacos, use flour tortillas warmed in a dry skillet.
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef tacos are proof that the simplest meals are often the best ones.
They’re quick, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or any other night of the week, these belong in your regular rotation.
Give them a try and see just how easy a delicious taco night can be!