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Classic Ground Beef Tacos (Simple 30-Minute Dinner)

Classic ground beef tacos with shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and chunky salsa in crispy taco shells.
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These classic ground beef tacos are a quick and easy 30-minute dinner made with perfectly seasoned taco meat, simple pantry spices, and your favorite toppings. This easy ground beef taco recipe is perfect for taco night, busy weeknights, or feeding a hungry family. Once you try these flavorful homemade ground beef tacos, you may never go back to store-bought taco kits again.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)

  • ½ small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ cup tomato sauce or water

  • 8 taco shells or small tortillas

 

Optional Toppings

 

  • shredded lettuce

  • diced tomatoes

  • shredded cheddar cheese

  • sour cream

  • salsa

  • sliced avocado or guacamole

  • chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

  2. Add onion and garlic-Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

  3. Season the taco meat-Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the beef evenly.

  4. Add liquid and simmer-Pour in the tomato sauce or water and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

  5. Warm taco shells-Heat taco shells or tortillas according to package directions.

  6. Assemble the tacos-Spoon the seasoned ground beef into taco shells and top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or your favorite toppings.

Equipment

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.

  • Drain excess grease before adding seasonings if needed.

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pantryandspoon.com/classic-ground-beef-tacos-simple-30-minute-dinner/