Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to dive into a flavorful fiesta that will become a staple in your kitchen? Today, I’m excited to share with you how to make the best taco recipe that’s not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and speedy, this recipe checks all the boxes for a quick family dinner. Plus, it’s a great addition to your collection of easy pasta recipes—wait, no, it’s even better because it’s tacos! So, let’s get started and make some unforgettable tacos with ground beef that your whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Packed with authentic Mexican flavors that will transport your taste buds.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, making it perfect for everyone.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand.
- Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious taco recipe. Don’t worry, it’s a short and sweet list!
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to create this mouthwatering taco meat. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease—though if you’re using lean ground beef, there might not be much to drain.
Next, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let these spices bloom for a minute to release their flavors, then add in the tomato sauce and water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the taco meat reaches your desired consistency.
While the taco meat is cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds, or by grilling them briefly on a dry skillet. Once the tortillas are warm and the meat is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to take your tacos to the next level:
- Use high-quality spices for the best flavor. If you have the time, toast your spices in a dry pan for a few seconds before adding them to the meat.
- Don’t overcook the taco meat. It should be flavorful but still juicy.
- Let everyone customize their own tacos with their favorite toppings. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in the meal!
How to Serve
The fun part—serving! Here are some ideas for toppings and sides to make your taco night extra special:
- Classic toppings: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cilantro.
- Add some extra creaminess with avocado or guacamole.
- For a bit of crunch, sprinkle on some chopped red onion or crispy tortilla strips.
- Pair your tacos with a side of Spicy Southwest Salad or Crispy Chili Lime Garbanzo Beans Salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Don’t forget a fresh Corn Salad to keep things light and refreshing.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make the taco meat ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply reheat it when you’re ready for a quick and easy dinner. The toppings can also be prepped in advance, so all you have to do is assemble everything when it’s time to eat.
There you have it—your new go-to recipe for the best ground beef tacos that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes (though let’s be real, this is way better than pasta!), or just some fresh weeknight dinner ideas, this taco recipe delivers. So next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and fast, give this a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
The Best Taco Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons chili powder or to taste; use less if sensitive to spice or your chili powder is very spicy
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup water
- 8 taco-size corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings, as desired: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, chopped red onion, etc.
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the skillet and cook, crumbling with a spoon or spatula, until browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, until taco meat is fully cooked and has reached your desired texture.
- Serve the taco meat in warmed tortillas, with toppings as desired.