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These ground beef tacos are super simple to make, and you will never need a taco seasoning packet again! Find out the secret to infusing the flavor for scrumptious tacos bursting in flavor. Serve with all your favorite toppings.
The Best Ground Beef Tacos
This recipe for ground beef tacos is so simple to put together and perfect for Taco Tuesdays! I typically always have these ingredients on-hand for a quick meal to pull together. This is a fast meal to put together and toppings can be easily customized for picky eaters.
The flavor of the beef is so delicious and moist when the water is added to infuse the flavors. The seasonings in the ground beef are all common spices that make for a delectable taste! I have to admit, I used to always buy the taco seasoning packet at the grocery because it was easy, that is until I realized just how simple it was to make my own taco seasoning. Stop buying the seasoning packet, you will not regret it! Your family will love these ground beef tacos.
For the taco shell, that will really depend on your personal preference. Try these on both soft flour tortillas and hard taco shells. The soft shells allow you to wrap all the ingredients up which typically allow for ease of eating. However, the hard shells give it that perfect crunchy, crispy texture to coincide with the flavorful taste of the ground beef.
What I love about the toppings is that they can be customizable for each individual. My personal favorite topping is fresh cilantro. The cilantro gives the perfect flavor for that authentic taco craving. Also, try them with sour cream, shredded cheddar, tomatoes, and salsa. I also have some black olive lovers in the family, so that is their favorite topping. Choose the toppings most desirable for you and your family.
How to Make
See the recipe card below post for quantities and instructions.
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over a medium heat. Once the ground beef is about halfway cooked, add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, and water. Use a potato masher throughout the cooking process. This will help infuse the seasonings consistently throughout the ground beef. Don’t skip this step as it is the secret to the the amazing flavor and consistency of the the taco meat! It will be hard to eat just one.
Continue to cook the ground beef for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Additional water can be added during the cooking process to keep the meat from drying out. Continue using the potato masher all during cooking to finely mash the ground beef and incorporate the flavors for the best result.
Once the taco meat is fully cooked, place the meat on desired taco shells and add your favorite toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
•Storage: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 6 months.
•To reheat: Add meat to saucepan on the stovetop over a medium heat with a little water until completely warmed through.
Ground Beef Tacos
Delicious ground beef tacos made with your favorite toppings.
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 – 1 c water
- 4 tortilla shells (hard or soft)
- toppings of choice
Brown the ground beef over a medium heat in a large skillet.
When ground beef is halfway cooked, drain any excess fat and add the seasonings. Use a potato masher on the beef to infuse the flavors while cooking (this is the trick to the great flavor!)
Add the water and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Additional water can be added to keep meat from drying out.
Serve with your favorite toppings on top of tortilla shell (cilantro, cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc.)