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These ground beef tacos are made with a flavorful homemade seasoning and come together in under 30 minutes. It’s a quick, customizable meal everyone will love!
Taco night is a regular thing in our house, and these ground beef tacos are one of my go-to recipes. They’re simple, flavorful, and come together quickly with pantry spices and just a few fresh ingredients. I use lean ground beef and a homemade taco seasoning blend that’s way better than anything store-bought.
You can pile on your favorite toppings, serve them with corn or flour tortillas, and make them your own. Whether it’s a Tuesday or just a busy weeknight, these tacos never disappoint.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
There’s nothing fancy about these tacos, and that’s exactly what makes them so good. They’re quick, flavorful, and super satisfying. Here’s why I keep coming back to this recipe:
- Quick and easy – On the table in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Made with pantry staples – No store-bought taco seasoning needed—this DIY spice mix is flavorful and easy to throw together.
- Perfectly seasoned – The combo of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice adds so much depth and flavor.
- Customizable – Everyone can build their own with toppings they love.
- Better than takeout – Healthier, more affordable, and just as satisfying as your favorite taco spot.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to bring these flavorful tacos together.
- olive or avocado oil – used for sautéing the onion and garlic. Either option works great!
- yellow onion – adds a subtle sweetness and savory base to the taco filling.
- garlic – brings in that rich, aromatic flavor that makes everything taste better.
- ground beef – I like using 90/10 lean ground beef—it’s flavorful but not too greasy, so you usually don’t have to drain it.
- homemade taco seasoning – a mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Way better than a store-bought packet!
- tomato paste – adds richness and depth to the beef mixture.
- beef broth or water – helps loosen the mixture and keeps it saucy and juicy.
- lime juice – brightens everything up and gives the filling a little zesty finish.
- soft corn or flour tortillas – use your favorite taco shells or wraps to serve it all up.
- toppings – load them up with whatever you love! I usually top mine with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, sour cream, avocado, salsa and hot sauce. the more toppings the better, in my opinon!
Easy Recipe Substitutions
This recipe is super flexible—here are a few easy ways to make it work for your needs or what you’ve got on hand:
- Ground beef alternatives: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken if you want something a little leaner. For a plant-based option, try lentils or crumbled tempeh.
- Low-carb or gluten-free? Stick with corn tortillas or serve the taco filling in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens for a taco salad vibe.
- Spice adjustments: Leave out the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to heat, or double them if you like it spicy.
- Tortilla swap: I love using soft corn tortillas, but almond flour tortillas or even whole grain wraps are great too.
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos
These ground beef tacos come together quickly and make the perfect weeknight meal. Here’s how to make them:
My Recipe Tips!
A few simple tips to make your taco night extra delicious:
- Use lean ground beef: I like 90/10 because it gives you the right amount of flavor without a greasy mess.
- Toast your tortillas: Warming them in a dry skillet makes a big difference in taste and texture.
- Make it your own: This recipe is super customizable. Add beans, corn, or chopped spinach to the beef mixture for extra bulk and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These ground beef tacos are super versatile and easy to dress up however you like. Serve them in tortillas or bowls with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget the perfect sides for taco night—think creamy dips, fresh salsas, and something crunchy on the side.
How to Store
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep everything fresh:
- Taco meat: Let the beef mixture cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Toppings and tortillas: Store toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in separate containers so they stay crisp. Tortillas can be wrapped and stored at room temp (if unopened) or in the fridge once opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be! Just use corn tortillas instead of flour, and double-check your toppings and broth (some brands add gluten to flavorings).
I like 90/10 ground beef—it has enough fat for flavor but not so much that you’ll need to drain a lot off. You can also use leaner beef or even ground turkey if you prefer.
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store the cooked taco meat in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. You can even freeze it for longer storage.
More Mexican Favorites
- Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Healthy Chicken Tacos
- Chicken Fajitas
- Healthy Chicken Quesadillas
- Ground Turkey Tacos
- Healthy Chicken Enchiladas
Be sure to check out the full collection of Mexican recipes on EBF!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Ground Beef Mixture
- ½ Tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef, I like 90/10
- 2 Tablespoons beef broth, or water, more if needed
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Small soft corn or flour tortillas
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Sour cream
- Avocado chunks or guacamole
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Make taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5-6 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked through, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat while cooking. Drain the fat, if needed. (If you use a lean beef like 90/10 or leaner you shouldn’t need to do this.)
- Add spices and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the beef mixture in the spices.
- Add in broth, tomato paste and lime juice and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- While beef mixture is simmering, heat the tortillas in a dry pan over medium-high heat, or wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
- Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto the tortillas and topping with your desired toppings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
