on Sep 22, 2023 Seasoned to perfection with spices and sautéed onions and garlic, this filling is so tasty. Then, it’s time to char your tortillas for that perfect, slightly smoky touch. Assemble the tacos with your preferred toppings—be it sour cream, cheese, corn, or cilantro. This is a taco experience you won’t want to miss.
Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Tacos
What makes these tacos truly special is their perfect blend of convenience and flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and customizable. Whether you’re a fan of classic beef or prefer the lighter taste of turkey, the choice is yours. The blend of spices, sautéed onions🧅, and garlic adds depth and richness to every bite. And when you take that extra step to char your tortillas, you’ll experience a lovely smokiness with your meal. Top your tacos with your favorite ingredients, from sour cream to your cheese of choice, sweet corn, fresh cilantro or parsley.
How to Prepare Ground Beef Tacos
Creating these delicious tacos 🌮is a breeze. Begin by heating a pan with a touch of olive oil, then add your choice of ground meat (I use beef, but turkey or other ground meat would be fine). Break up the meat and let it sizzle on medium-high heat until it’s browned and the moisture has evaporated, typically around 10 minutes. Next, toss in a diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions turn soft and translucent. Add an array of spices, including salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and chipotle chili powder, along with some tomato paste. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes. If the meat appears a tad dry, don’t hesitate to introduce a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. Remove the meat from the heat and set it aside while you char the tortillas. If you don’t have a gas stove, a hot pan on the stovetop works perfectly for achieving that char.
Variations and Substitutions
Get creative and make these tacos your own by trying out some variations and substitutions. Here are a few ideas to inspire your taco adventure:
Substitute ground beef (or turkey) for other proteins such as ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives like “beyond meat” for a vegetarian twist. Customize the spice level to your taste by adjusting the amount of chipotle chili powder or adding your favorite hot sauce. For a milder option, omit the spicy ingredients altogether and adjust the seasonings. Other toppings to consider: avocado, guacamole, salsa, pickled red onions, shredded lettuce, corn or diced tomatoes are to name a few. While grated cheese is a classic taco topping, you could substitute for crumbled queso fresco, creamy goat cheese, or tangy feta for a unique twist. Feel free to use this ground meat as a topping for salads or even added extra protein alongside eggs in the morning. I love topping it on top of my Creamy Bulgarian Salad.
Best Served With
Try the tacos with my Cowboy Caviar, which is hands down one of the best salsa recipes out there. Creamy, flavorful Guacamole made from ripe avocados, onions, tomatoes, and lime juice is an excellent side. Once you try my Homemade Roasted Salsa, you will never buy store-bought.
Similar Recipes
My Big Mac Smash Tacos are the perfect addition to your weeknight meal. I keep my Healthier Breakfast Tacos on rotation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.