Easy Ground Beef Tacos (15-Minute Family Dinner)

Crispy taco shell being filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 4 | Calories: 210 kcal

These juicy Ground Beef Tacos with homemade seasoning are the ultimate quick weeknight dinner! Ready in 15 minutes, this family-friendly taco recipe beats takeout any day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ 10-minute taco meat with bold flavors
✅ Cheaper than packets – DIY seasoning blend
✅ Kid-approved & customizable toppings
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Freezes perfectly


Ingredients

For the Taco Meat

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 for best texture)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup water

For Serving

  • 8 taco shells (corn or flour)
  • Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream

How to Make Ground Beef Tacos

Lean ground beef sizzling in cast iron skillet with olive oil for homemade taco meat

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.

Chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste being stirred into browned ground beef for flavorful taco filling

2. Add Seasonings

Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Corn tortillas heating on cast iron griddle with slight char marks for authentic tacos

3. Warm Tortillas

Heat taco shells in a dry skillet or oven (350°F for 3 minutes) to prevent cracking.

Crispy taco shell being filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes

4. Assemble Tacos

Fill shells with beef and top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream.


Pro Tips

🔹 Extra flavor: Add ½ diced onion when browning beef
🔹 Low-carb option: Use lettuce wraps or keto tortillas
🔹 Spice control: Reduce chili powder for kids
🔹 Freeze for later: Store cooked meat for up to 3 months


Nutrition Facts (Per Taco)

Calories: 210 | Protein: 18g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 8g

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