Beef Tacos
Beef tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines seasoned ground beef with fresh toppings, all wrapped in a warm taco shell. These tacos are customizable, making them perfect for anyone in the family. Whether you're making a quick dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe offers an easy and delicious solution. You can opt for soft or crunchy shells and enjoy your tacos with your favorite toppings, from cheese and sour cream to salsa and guacamole.
Equipment
- 1 Skillet (12-inch) - For cooking the ground beef.
- 1 Spoon or Spatula - For stirring the beef and breaking it apart.
- 1 Measuring Cup - For measuring water to add to taco seasoning.
- 1 Grater - For shredding cheese (optional).
- 1 Knife and Cutting Board - For chopping vegetables and garnishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 packet or 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend)
- 1/4 cup Water to mix with seasoning
- 8 Taco Shells soft or crunchy, your choice
- 1 cup Shredded Lettuce
- 1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Salsa mild, medium, or hot, depending on preference
- 1/4 cup Guacamole optional
- 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro optional
- 1 Lime cut into wedges for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred lettuce, chop tomatoes, and grate cheese. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning to the beef along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to coat the beef. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Warm the Taco Shells: While the beef cooks, warm your taco shells according to package instructions (oven, stovetop, or microwave).
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the seasoned beef into the taco shells. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole (if using).
- Garnish and Serve: Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve with additional salsa on the side.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: The seasoned beef can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
- Taco Shell Choice: You can opt for soft flour tortillas or crispy corn taco shells based on preference.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Healthy Version: For a lighter version, use leaner ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey. You can also load up on veggies as toppings to add nutrition without the calories.