Get ready to transform your dinner routine with these mouthwatering ground beef tacos that promise to be the most delicious and easy meal you'll make all week! Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a taco enthusiast, this recipe will have you looking like a culinary genius with minimal effort and maximum flavor. In just 35 minutes, you'll create restaurant-quality tacos that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break the beef into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef. Add 3/4 cup of water and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the seasoned beef for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the meat is well-coated with seasoning.
- While the beef is simmering, preheat the taco shells. If using hard shells, place them in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp. If using soft tortillas, warm them briefly on a griddle or in a dry skillet.
- Prepare the taco toppings by chopping fresh lettuce, dicing tomatoes, and having shredded cheese and sour cream ready.
- Fill each taco shell with the hot seasoned ground beef, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve immediately while the beef is hot and the shells are crisp. Enjoy your homemade ground beef tacos!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Always drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent soggy tacos and reduce greasiness.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting your taco shells in the oven for a few minutes to enhance their crispiness.
- Prep your toppings in advance to make assembly quick and easy.
- Don't overcrowd your tacos - less is more when it comes to filling.
- Experiment with additional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for added zest.
- Warm your plates before serving to keep the tacos hot and crisp.
- For a healthier version, try using lean ground turkey or adding extra vegetables to the meat mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
