Easy Seasoned Ground Beef Tacos
These easy ground beef tacos are a family favorite! Made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, simple ingredients, and all your favorite toppings, they're perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve them in crunchy taco shells or soft tortillas and let everyone build their own delicious taco!
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
- 8 –12 crunchy taco shells or soft tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Your favorite additional toppings
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain off excess grease, leaving a small amount in the skillet for flavor.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato paste until evenly distributed.
- Pour in the water or beef broth and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the beef is nicely coated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Warm the tortillas or taco shells according to package directions.
- Fill each shell with seasoned beef and add your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 3 tablespoons of Taco Seasoning if you'd like - replaces the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper from the ingredients list. All good - whatever is easier for you!
- For a little heat, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder to 1½ tablespoons.
- If the meat becomes too dry, add another tablespoon or two of water or broth.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef, although you may need a little oil to help with browning.
- The seasoning blend can be mixed ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
- PLEASE try these ingredients in a SALAD instead of using the taco shells or tortillas as a base. Just break up some of those crunchy taco shells and add them on top of the salad. Still delicious and not as MESSY!