Ground Beef Tacos are quick and easy to make with seasoned ground beef topped with shredded lettuce, cheese, cilantro, diced tomatoes in crunchy taco shells.
Consider adding other toppings like sour cream, onion, jalapeno, avocado.
It’s Taco Tuesday, when craving this delicious tacos here’s an easy Ground Beef Tacos recipe. In normal times, restaurants are packed on Tuesdays having Mexican Tacos.
Cumin, chili powder, oregano are a few of the spice blends that give Tacos its savory flavor. Cumin and chili powder are key spices in Mexican cuisine.
In my previous post, “What’s in Your Pantry and Fridge”, I have mentioned this is the best time to clean out your pantry. Check all your seasonings and use them.
Some people use fresh chili to make tacos, instead of running an errand, remember it is best to stay at home during this crisis, check if you have chili powder seasoning. If you don’t have both, use any hot sauce.
Ground Beef Tacos Seasoning. Fresh oregano from my vegetable garden.
Be creative when cooking if you don’t have some of the ingredients called for in this recipe.
Some people are used to eating out but right now are forced to make something at home. Maybe you’ll develop a liking for cooking.
Some don’t have time to cook due to their busy schedule, so take advantage of this time to experiment with dishes you’ve been procrastinating to make.
Most restaurants are close anyway, so you don’t have a choice. One way or another, you have to prepare something. You can get by with canned goods but if you have a craving for Taco Tuesday, try this very easy Ground Beef Tacos.
Make only enough tacos you can eat. Crunchy taco shells will not stay crisp.
When I was in college, I made tacos using Lawry's or McCormick Taco seasoning mix and me and my roommates were having tacos passed midnight while I was studying.
At that time, it was convenient to use a seasoning mix but now I would rather make my own blend of seasonings. I have more control of what spices to add and less salty.
Tips in Making Ground Beef Tacos (if you don’t have all the ingredients)
Again, due to the situation we are faced (March 2020), if you don’t have some of these ingredients try to improvise.
I know, it might not taste like the Authentic Mexican Tacos you are used to but at least it can satisfy your craving or you something different to serve on the table.
1. If you have pork but not ground pork, cut pork into smaller pieces.
Ground beef is browned first, then fat is drained and seasonings are added.
2. Cumin is the key ingredient to make tacos. You can get by without oregano or paprika.
3. If you don’t have chili powder, use hot sauce or anything spicy. If you don’t care for anything spicy, then don’t worry about chili powder.
4. Make sure to only assemble just enough tacos that you can eat at that moment. Once assembled and placed in the fridge, taco shell will get soft. It is still good but a crunchy taco shell is much better.
Assemble tacos once ground beef is cooked.
5. Most household have garlic or garlic powder, fresh onion or onion powder and ground black pepper. All these spices adds so much flavor to this dish.
6. If you don’t have taco shells, tortilla chips will do or just make it into a Taco Salad. Load up on lettuce and tomatoes.
Use your desired toppings, if you like.
Pair this delicious tacos with a popular Spicy Margarita drink.
Frozen jalapeno thawing. This Spicy Margarita is refreshing with or without tequila, even your kids will enjoy it!
How to Make Ground Beef Tacos
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red or yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 3 teaspoons fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano minced fresh oregano
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Assemble Tacos
- 8 Jumbo crunchy taco shells
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomato
- ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Saute onion until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for a minute.
- Stir-in tomato sauce.
- Add ground beef. Cook until pale.
- Drain fat.
- Stir-in cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprila, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add more salt, if needed.
- Spoon ground beef into warm taco shells.
- Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese and cilanto or add your desired toppings instead.
Video
Notes
- Make only enough tacos you can eat if using crunchy taco shells.
- If you prefer a saucy ground beef, you can up the tomato sauce to 1 cup.
Nutrition
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