Ground Beef Tacos

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Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Ground Beef Tacos are the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel like a celebration. With golden shells hugging perfectly seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and a hint of zesty lime, they deliver that perfect mix of crunchy and savory.

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, taco night with friends, or a game-day feast, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The best part? They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Tacos

These tacos check all the boxes. They’re:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Made with pantry staples
• Great for meal prep or leftovers
• Family- and crowd-approved
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

Plus, they deliver that satisfying street taco flavor without leaving your kitchen.

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What Kind of Taco Shells Should I Use?

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can go with classic crunchy corn taco shells for a nostalgic feel, or opt for soft flour tortillas if you prefer a more flexible bite. For a fun twist, try frying your own shells using corn tortillas—they hold their shape beautifully and add an irresistible crunch.

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Ingredients for the Ground Beef Tacos

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish. Choose 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and fat.
• Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought mix or make your own. This adds the signature bold, savory notes.
• Onion (finely chopped): Sautéed with the beef, it enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Garlic (minced): A little goes a long way in amplifying the savoriness.
• Taco Shells: Crunchy corn or soft flour tortillas—your choice.
• Shredded Lettuce: For a fresh, cool contrast to the warm beef.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend melts beautifully over the beef.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and color.
• Pickled Red Onions: Optional, but they bring a tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
• Guacamole or Sliced Avocados: Creamy goodness that elevates every bite.

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How To Make the Ground Beef Tacos

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Seasoning

Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.

Step 4: Prep the Shells

While the beef simmers, warm your taco shells according to package instructions or lightly toast them on a dry skillet.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Spoon the seasoned beef into each shell. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, and a dollop of guacamole or slices of avocado.

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How to Serve and Store Ground Beef Tacos

These tacos are best served fresh and warm, but they can easily be prepped ahead.

Serving: This recipe feeds about 4 people generously (2-3 tacos each).

Storing: Store the taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Keep toppings and shells separate until ready to serve.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef Tacos?

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Creamy, cheesy, and smoky—a classic side that complements the tacos perfectly.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Bright and fluffy, this rice adds a zesty counterbalance to the savory beef.

Black Beans or Refried Beans

Whether you go for smoky black beans or creamy refried beans, they add heartiness to the meal.

Chips & Salsa or Queso

Crunchy tortilla chips with fresh salsa or gooey cheese dip bring the fiesta vibe.

Mango Salsa

Adds a fruity, spicy pop that pairs beautifully with beef.

Mexican Slaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw can double as a topping or side dish.

Jalapeño Poppers

If you’re entertaining, this spicy bite makes a great appetizer.

Churros or Tres Leches Cake

For dessert, go sweet and indulgent with a classic Mexican treat.

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Want More Taco Night Ideas?

If you love these Ground Beef Tacos, you’ll want to try more taco-inspired dishes from NoraNosh:

• Taco Ranch Bites for a fun, finger-food twist.
• Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a cheesy, hearty bake.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you want something rich and comforting.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go crunchy or soft shell? Did you load it with cheese or keep it fresh and simple?

I love seeing your taco creations! Questions or tips? Drop them below.

Explore beautifully curated dinner favorites and taco-night inspirations on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next must-make dish!

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