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Ground Beef Tacos

A classic recipe for ground beef tacos, with a few easy upgrades to make them extra tasty. Kid-friendly, but you'll love them too!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 289 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: American , Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 large white or yellow onion ¼-inch diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (about 4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional; add more if you like a lot of spice
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large beefsteak or similar tomato finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • ¼ cup water
For Serving:
  • Hard or soft taco shells warmed
  • shredded cheese
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes or salsa

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the onion is translucent and softened.
  2. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the onions with the spices.
  3. Add the tomato paste and stir until super fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Increase the heat to medium high. Add the beef, breaking it into small pieces with a sturdy spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the tomato and let cook 1 minute.
  5. Stir in the water. Reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen.
  6. To serve, pile the ground beef into taco shells or tortillas and add your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Leftover ground beef taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the toppings separately to keep them fresh.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm the taco meat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through; you can add a splash of water if it seems a little dry. The microwave also works.
  • TO FREEZE: Transfer the taco filling to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Nutritional information is for the ground beef filling only. 
  • TO STORE: Leftover ground beef taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the toppings separately to keep them fresh.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm the taco meat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through; you can add a splash of water if it seems a little dry. The microwave also works.
  • TO FREEZE: Transfer the taco filling to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1(of 4) Calories 289kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Trans Fat 0.4g Cholesterol 70mg (23%) Potassium 706mg (20%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1.317IU (0%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 48mg (5%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 289

% Daily Value*

Serving 1(of 4)
Calories 289kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 0.4g 20%
Cholesterol 70mg 23%
Potassium 706mg 15%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1.317IU 0%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 48mg 5%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.