5 from 15 votes
Ground Beef (or Turkey) Tacos
Ground Beef (or Turkey) Tacos feature seasoned ground meat cooked with a blend of chili powder, oregano, paprika, and other spices to create a flavorful base. The mixture is simmered with water until a thick sauce coats the meat. Served in crispy taco shells or soft tortillas, they are complemented by toppings like sour cream, salsa, lettuce, and cheese, offering a classic taco experience with customizable garnishes.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
12
tacos
Calories:
146 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 ¼ teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cumin ground
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, or red pepper flakes
Tacos:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup water
- 12 taco shells crisped up in the oven according to package directions, or 12 taco-sized flour tortillas for soft tacos
- toppings such as sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapenos, and grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the seasoning mix in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Stir the meat continuously, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is cooked through, a few minutes. Drain off any extra liquid that accumulates.
- Add the seasoning mix and water, starting with about ½ cup and then adding more as needed until it creates a thick sauce that just coats the meat, cooking it another minute or two. Remove from the heat and serve with the taco shells and your choice of toppings.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This recipe uses kosher salt, which is less salty than table salt; if substituting with table salt, reduce the amount to prevent oversalting.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1taco (made with beef)
Calories
146kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
10g
(3%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
24mg
(8%)
Sodium
185mg
(8%)
Potassium
59mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 tacos
Amount Per Serving
Calories 146
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1taco (made with beef) | |
| Calories | 146kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 185mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 59mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.