Why You’ll Love Easy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights (about 25 minutes total).
The homemade taco seasoning is simple and customizable—so you can adjust the spice to your taste.
The recipe feeds a crowd (8 servings) but is easy to scale up or down.
You can dress the tacos simply or set up a DIY taco bar with a variety of toppings for fun.
Leftovers reheat well, making it practical for meal‑prep or lunch next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup water
For serving the tacos:
8 corn or flour tortillas
Finely chopped lettuce (or cabbage)
Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
Chopped tomatoes
Chopped red onions
(Optional) Additional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 5‑7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, tomato paste and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Reduce heat to medium‑low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beef is evenly coated (about 3‑5 minutes).
Warm the tortillas (in a skillet, microwave or oven) so they’re soft and pliable.
Assemble the tacos by spooning the seasoned beef into the warmed tortillas, then topping with chopped lettuce (or cabbage), cheese, tomatoes and red onions (and any other desired toppings like guacamole or sour cream).
Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

Makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 10 minutes.
Total time: About 25 minutes.

Variations

Swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken or plant‑based ground “meat” for a lighter or vegetarian variation.
Use low‑carb tortillas or lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to make the tacos low‑carb/keto‑friendly.
Add additional seasonings such as smoked paprika, onion powder or crushed red pepper for extra flavour or heat.
Change up the toppings — try pickled onions, roasted corn, pineapple salsa or fresh cilantro for a twist.
Make it into a taco bowl by serving the seasoned beef over rice or cauliflower rice instead of in tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep any leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Allow cooked meat to cool completely, then store in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the meat seems dry, and stir until heated through. You can also microwave with a damp paper towel over the top for a minute or two, stirring halfway.

FAQs

What is the best ground beef for tacos?

Choosing ground beef that is around 90% lean gives a good balance of flavour and moisture. Too lean (e.g., 95% or higher) may dry out; if you use a fattier grade, be sure to drain off excess fat after browning.

How can I make the tacos low carb?

To make them low carb, skip the tortillas and serve the seasoned beef in lettuce wraps or a taco salad bowl. Alternatively, use low‑carb tortillas.

Can I use pre‑made taco seasoning instead of making it from scratch?

Yes. If you prefer convenience, you can substitute your favourite pre‑packaged taco seasoning. Just be mindful of added salt or other flavorings and adjust accordingly.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely — the recipe scales nicely. Just double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook the meat in batches to ensure it browns evenly.

Can I prepare the taco meat ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the meat ahead of time, cool it, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Reheat it just before serving with a splash of water to restore moisture.

What kind of tortillas should I use?

You can use either corn or flour tortillas — choose your preference. Warming them briefly in a skillet or microwave makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.

How do I keep the taco meat from drying out?

When you simmer the seasoned meat with the sauce, keep the heat at medium‑low and stop cooking once the sauce thickens rather than completely evaporating. Also, reheating with a splash of water helps preserve moisture.

What toppings pair best with these tacos?

Classic toppings like shredded lettuce (or cabbage), chopped tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, guacamole or avocado slices, sour cream and salsa all work beautifully. Jalapeños or pickled onions add extra zing.

Can I freeze any leftovers?

Yes — store cooled cooked taco meat in freezer‑safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Is this recipe kid‑friendly?

Yes. It’s simple, flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, and easy for kids to customize their own tacos with preferred toppings.

Conclusion

This ground beef tacos recipe is a no‑fuss, flavorful weeknight meal that gives you all the satisfaction of taco night without fuss and with plenty of room for customization. Whether you keep it simple for the family or lay out a full toppings bar for friends, this dish delivers in taste and convenience. Enjoy your taco night!