Description
These crispy ground beef tacos are a quick and satisfying dinner option that deliver bold flavor and a delightful crunch in every bite. Made with seasoned ground beef cooked with a blend of spices, crispy taco shells, and fresh toppings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or a fun taco night with the family.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1/4 cup water
Taco Assembly
- 8 crispy taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Sour cream, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, roughly 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the tacos from becoming greasy.
- Season the Beef: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Mix well to evenly coat the meat with the spices.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa and water, then reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Warm the Taco Shells: While the beef simmers, warm the crispy taco shells in the oven following the package instructions, ensuring they are hot and crunchy for serving.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture into each taco shell. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and any additional garnishes you prefer.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with sour cream and lime wedges on the side for added zest and creaminess.
Notes
- For a quicker option, substitute the homemade seasoning blend with pre-made taco seasoning.
- You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative to cater to different dietary preferences.
- Complement your tacos with sides like rice, beans, or chips and guacamole for a more filling meal.
- If dairy-free, omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
