Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef Taco recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also highly customizable to suit your taste. The rich and savory flavor of the seasoned beef perfectly complements the crunch of taco shells and the freshness of the toppings. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or hosting a taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to please. The best part? They can be put together in just a matter of minutes, making them a go-to weeknight meal.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
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2/3 cup water
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Taco shells (soft or crunchy)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup lettuce, shredded
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1 tomato, diced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup salsa
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1/4 cup jalapeños (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and is well-combined.
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While the beef is simmering, prepare the taco shells according to the package instructions (either warm soft tortillas or bake crunchy taco shells).
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Once the beef is ready, spoon it into the taco shells.
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Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Tacos: Use black beans or crumbled tofu as a substitute for beef.
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Chicken Tacos: Swap ground beef for seasoned shredded chicken.
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Spicy Tacos: Add more jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa for an extra kick.
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Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat the beef filling, simply place it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Taco shells are best served fresh, but they can be stored in a dry place and reheated in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for these tacos?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner taco filling. It will still absorb the seasoning nicely and taste delicious.
How do I make my tacos less greasy?
To reduce the grease, make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef after cooking. You can also use leaner beef, like 90% lean ground beef.
Can I make the taco filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling in advance. Let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it and assemble the tacos.
Can I freeze taco filling?
Yes, you can freeze the beef filling for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I make these tacos gluten-free?
To make the tacos gluten-free, use gluten-free taco shells or tortillas. Also, ensure that the taco seasoning you use is gluten-free.
How can I make my taco shells crunchy?
For crispy taco shells, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the taco shells for 5-7 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy.
What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Can I add other vegetables to the tacos?
Yes, you can add diced onions, bell peppers, corn, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use soft tortillas instead of taco shells?
Absolutely! Soft flour or corn tortillas work great for tacos and offer a softer alternative to crispy shells.
How do I keep my tacos from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy tacos, try not to overload them with toppings. You can also layer the taco shell with cheese or lettuce first to create a barrier for wetter toppings like salsa or sour cream.
Conclusion
Beef Tacos are a fun, flavorful, and fast meal that everyone will enjoy. With their customizable toppings and savory beef filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply craving a quick meal, these tacos are sure to satisfy. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations to make them your own!
Print
Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 15min
- Yield: 4servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef Tacos are a quick and flavorful Mexican dish that’s easy to make with ground beef, taco seasoning, and fresh toppings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or taco night with friends and family.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
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2/3 cup water
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Taco shells (soft or crunchy)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup lettuce, shredded
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1 tomato, diced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup salsa
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1/4 cup jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and is well-combined.
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While the beef is simmering, prepare the taco shells according to the package instructions (either warm soft tortillas or bake crunchy taco shells).
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Once the beef is ready, spoon it into the taco shells.
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Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
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To add more flavor, use spicy salsa or extra jalapeños.
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For a vegetarian version, swap the beef with black beans or crumbled tofu.
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
