Craving a quick, delicious meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? Look no further than these Ultimate Ground Beef Tacos! In just 25 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a flavor-packed Mexican feast that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or looking for a weeknight meal that's both easy and exciting, these tacos are about to become your new go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. This includes 1 lb of ground beef, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 8 taco shells, 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and any optional toppings you desire such as sour cream and salsa.
- In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess grease from the pan for a healthier option.
- Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the meat. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet, typically adding about 2/3 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well to combine the seasoning with the beef.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- While the beef is simmering, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the taco shell package, usually around 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your taco shells are warm and crispy.
- Once the beef mixture is ready, place the taco shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
- After the taco shells are warmed, remove them from the oven and fill each shell with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese as desired. Add any optional toppings such as sour cream or salsa to enhance the flavor.
- Serve the tacos immediately while they are warm. Enjoy your Ultimate Ground Beef Tacos with your favorite sides or drinks!
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to keep the meat juicy and tasty.
- Don't skip draining the excess grease after cooking the beef - this ensures your tacos aren't soggy and greasy.
- Warm your taco shells just before serving to maintain that perfect crispy texture.
- Customize your toppings! While the recipe suggests classic toppings, feel free to get creative with additions like pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.
- If you want to make the dish healthier, try using lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute.
- For meal prep, you can cook the beef mixture in advance and reheat it when ready to serve, making dinner time a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
