Ground Beef Taco Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta!
Craving a quick, easy, and delicious meal? Look no further than the humble, yet magnificent, ground beef taco! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or just a satisfying solo meal. Get ready to embark on a flavor fiesta!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend – see below)
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 taco shells (hard or soft, your preference)
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, jalapeños
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):
For a more personalized flavor, ditch the packet and make your own! Combine the following:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning (or your homemade blend) and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Warm the Taco Shells: While the beef simmers, warm your taco shells according to package directions. This usually involves baking them in the oven for a few minutes or microwaving them briefly.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef.
- Add Toppings: Load up your tacos with your favorite toppings! Popular choices include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and jalapeños. Get creative and customize to your liking!
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade ground beef tacos.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans into the beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Crock-Pot Tacos: Brown the beef and then transfer it to a slow cooker. Add the onions, garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Shred the beef with two forks before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and customizable ground beef tacos! They’re a surefire way to bring a taste of Mexico to your table.