Taco Night Done Right – Homemade Beef Tacos

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Ground beef tacos are making a comeback! Just like the ones from your childhood, but seasoned to perfection with our signature blend, offer an explosion of flavors. Load them up with your favorite toppings or enjoy their delicious simplicity. Perfect for an unforgettable Taco Tuesday! Goodbye to salty store packets – it’s time for some homemade tacos!

“Ahhhhmazing recipe. 🙌🏽🖤 I passed it along to my family as well”~K’la H.

This ground beef taco recipe is about to come in clutch on your next Taco Tuesday! Forget that sad full of salt pre-packaged taco kit from the store, these flavorful tacos with seasoned meat, crispy taco shells, and toppings are where it’s at. Made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. So get ready to get your taco fix on and make a meal the whole fam will be begging for every week!

Now, let’s taco ’bout why making your own tacos at home is the bee’s knees!

WHY MAKE HOMEMADE TACOS 

First of all, making your own tacos is like winning the flavor lottery. The jackpot? Well, it’s a mouthwatering meal that’s quick, easy, and completely customizable. It’s like having your own personal taco truck right in your kitchen. Here’s why you should consider ditching those store-bought options:

1. Cost Savings: You know what’s even more delicious than tacos? Tacos that don’t break the bank! Making your own taco meat and shells is a wallet-friendly move. Forget about those pre-made kits or greasy takeout – you’re about to make budget-friendly magic happen.
2.  Customization: Ever had that feeling when you order a taco and it’s either too salty, bland or too spicy? Well, guess what? When you’re the chef, you’re in charge of the flavor department. You can tweak the seasonings to your heart’s desire and set up a taco bar for the fam. Let them craft their own taco dreams!
3. Quality Ingredients: You’re the boss here, so you get to pick the freshest and finest ingredients. Say goodbye to mystery meat – it’s time for high-quality, mouthwatering bites.
4. Quick Prep: Dinner doesn’t have to be a drag. With handy shortcuts like canned tomato sauce and a quick fry for the tortillas, you can have your taco masterpiece ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s dinner on the fast track, baby!

TACO MEAT SEASONING 

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter – the seasoning. Sayonara to those bland, salty store-bought packets! You’re gonna create your own lip-smacking seasoning blend. Spice it up to match your mood!

For a basic seasoning mix, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a dash of salt. But here’s the kicker – add a smidge of cocoa powder for an extra kick of flavor. You can also throw in some tomato sauce or salsa once your taco meat is cooked to bring in the moisture, flavor, and color. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth!

TORTILLAS/TACO SHELLS

Alright, now let’s taco ’bout the tortillas. I Used yellow hard shell tacos but feel free to use soft corn or flour tortillas. Here’s a pro-tip: if you want to take your tacos to a whole new level of crunchy awesomeness, fry those soft tacos up and 6-inch ones are the ideal size for your tacos.

Fry them up real quick in some hot oil in a skillet. Just give ’em about 30 seconds on each side, and they’ll be crispier than your Aunt Tilly’s holiday cookies. After that, let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate and fold them in half – you’ve got yourself some homemade taco shells, baby!

And don’t forget, whether you’re going for soft or hard taco shells, a quick warm-up in the microwave is the secret to avoiding rips and keeping the toppings in place.

GROUND BEEF

Now, when it comes to the meat, ground beef is the OG choice, but don’t let that limit your creativity. Ground turkey or chicken can be just as fabulous! For the juiciest and most flavorful results, go for a meat blend that’s 70% to 80% lean. That little bit of fat is your ticket to a flavor-packed fiesta.

Cook your meat ’til it’s perfectly browned and crumbled. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease before you toss in that sensational seasoning you just mixed up.

TOPPINGS 

Alright, we’ve covered the essentials, now let’s get to the fun stuff – toppings! This is where the magic happens, where you get to be the Picasso of your taco canvas. Here are some topping suggestions, but the sky’s the limit:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack)
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced avocado or some creamy guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa, for that extra kick
• Pickled jalapeños, if you like a little heat
• Fresh cilantro, ’cause it’s fancy
• Lime wedges, for a zesty finish
• Diced onions, because who needs tears when you’ve got tacos?

Set up your topping spread buffet-style, so everyone can pile on exactly what they want. Your taco, your rules!

SIDES 

Taco night isn’t complete without some killer side dishes. Pair your tacos with classics like Spanish rice, refried beans, or pico de gallo And if you’re feeling a bit extra, whip up some quick pickled onions to add some zing to your plate. You’re in control, and the choices are endless!  We also love to use Taco Bell’s Mild Sauce. You can purchase it HERE.

EXTRA FLAVOR BOOST 

Now, if you want to take things up a notch, here are some bonus flavor boosts to consider:

• Craving some heat? Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes onto the meat for an extra kick.
• For an added touch of richness, throw in a spoonful of tomato paste along with your sauce. It’s like a secret flavor weapon.
• Swap out regular sour cream for some tangy Mexican crema. Your taste buds will thank you!
• Top it all off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and an extra sprinkle of cilantro – it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF TACOS

1. Cook – In a large hot skillet over medium high heat, sauté the onions until they become translucent.
2. Veggies – Add the minced garlic and then the ground beef into the skillet with the onions.
3. Ground Beef – Cook the beef until it’s browned. It’s best to drain the meat first.
4. Seasonings – Return the skillet back to the stove and add the water and the seasonings to the skillet mixing everything together until the sauce is has thickened. Add  salt and pepper for taste if needed. 

My family requests this at least once a week. If it’s not tacos they’re wanting, then they’re usually begging me to make my Steak Taco Salad, Taco spaghetti, Italian sausage and peppers ,cheesy beef sheet pan quesadillas, chili or best meatloaf. 

They’d be happy eating beef tacos every day of their life “IF” I let them.

I gave my sis this recipe. She made it for her family recently and they loved it.  Her hubby and kids ate several of them. My sister exclaimed, “I whipped up those tacos last night, and let me tell you, they were absolutely amazing!” Her daughter chimed in, calling them the best tacos ever! Thanks niecey poo!  

With these tips and this recipe, I KNOW you’re gonna be the taco MVP in your household. The savory seasoned meatand customizable toppings will make this your new go-to meal that everyone will be raving about. Happy Taco Tuesday!

Best Classic Ground Beef Tacos

April Boller Wright

These beef tacos are like the ones you grew up on only better, thanks to the homemade taco seasoning.  They're BIG on flavor and seasoned just right. Pile on your favorite toppings or keep it simple. They're scrumptious either way! Make this recipe for your next taco night!

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 5 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef use 80% fat ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup water
• homemade taco seasoning See notes for link to the recipe
• salt for taste optional
• pepper for taste optional

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Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, over medium high heat, heat the oil. Add the onions and cook until translucent about 5-7 minutes stirring often. Add the garlic cook until the garlic is fragrant about 30 seconds, stirring to prevent garlic from burning. 
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the beef then return it back to the stove. Add the water, and the taco seasoning *SEE NOTES. 
• Stir well and cook until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Fill the warmed taco with the ground beef add then add your choice of toppings. *See notes below about warming up your tacos and topping suggestions. 

Video

Notes

 

You can find my homemade taco seasoning HERE.

MICROWAVE HARD TACO SHELLS 

1. Unwrap the shells and arrange them on a microwave-safe plate, slightly overlapping.
2. Heat on high for 45 seconds until they are warm. Store any extra taco shells in a food-storage plastic bag or container to keep them fresh.

MICROWAVE  SOFT  TACO SHELLS

To heat your tortillas, take 3-4 at a time and position them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a lightly damp paper towel, then microwave in 30-second intervals. Once warmed, set them aside until you're ready to serve.

EXTRA FLAVOR BOOST 

Now, if you want to take things up a notch, here are some bonus flavor boosts to consider:

• Craving some heat? Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes onto the meat for an extra kick.
• For an added touch of richness, throw in a spoonful of tomato paste along with your sauce. It's like a secret flavor weapon.
• Swap out regular sour cream for some tangy Mexican crema. Your taste buds will thank you!
• Top it all off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and an extra sprinkle of cilantro – it's like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

Recipe was updated on 10/31/2023

Keyword beef tacos, ground beef tacos

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