Classic Ground Beef Tacos

  • Total time - 25 minutes
  • Prep time - 10 minutes
  • Cooking time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Mexico
A plate of delicious classic ground beef tacos with various toppings

Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, but the ground beef taco, in particular, has become a beloved classic in the United States. This recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor by creating a homemade taco seasoning from scratch. Forget the store-bought packets; this blend of chili powder, cumin, and other spices will elevate your 'taco night' and make it a meal to remember. Simply brown the meat, add the seasoning, and serve with your favorite fresh toppings for a meal that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Taco Filling

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 0.5 cup water

For the Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Serving (Toppings)

  • 8 taco shells (soft or hard)
  • shredded lettuce
  • diced tomatoes
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

While the beef is cooking, combine all the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Sprinkle the homemade seasoning mix over the browned beef and stir to combine. Pour in the water and stir until the mixture is fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the meat.

Step 4: Prepare the Taco Shells and Toppings

While the beef simmers, prepare your taco shells according to package directions. For soft tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. For hard shells, bake them in the oven for a few minutes until crispy. Prepare all your desired toppings by dicing the tomatoes and shredding the lettuce and cheese.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Set up a taco bar with the seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas or shells, and all the toppings. Let everyone build their own tacos with their favorite ingredients. Enjoy!