Best Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a beloved classic, offering a perfect balance of savory, seasoned beef and fresh toppings all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. With juicy beef, bold seasonings, and all your favorite toppings, these tacos are the definition of delicious.

The key to the best beef tacos starts with the beef. Ground beef is the most common choice for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors, but you can also opt for ground chuck for a richer taste. The beef is cooked with a blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika, giving it a deep, savory flavor. Adding a little onion and bell pepper to the mix enhances the flavor and texture, creating a hearty and flavorful filling for the tacos.

Next comes the taco shells. Whether you prefer soft flour tortillas or crispy corn shells, the choice is yours. For added crunch, lightly fry the corn tortillas to make them even more crispy. A warm flour tortilla is perfect for a soft, chewy bite that complements the juicy beef.

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. Fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream are traditional choices, but feel free to get creative. Avocado slices or guacamole add a creamy richness, while a squeeze of lime brings a zesty brightness to balance the savory beef. Jalapeños or salsa provide a bit of heat, while cilantro adds a burst of freshness.

Beef tacos are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for serving a crowd. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a taco party, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. Simple to prepare but full of flavor, the best beef tacos are always a favorite.

Best Beef Tacos

3.63 from 40 votes

Beef tacos are a beloved classic, offering a perfect balance of savory, seasoned beef and fresh toppings all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.

Servings 6 people

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 3/4 lb. extra lean ground beef
• 1/2 jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoon salsa roja to taste; optional, or other hot sauce
• 1 box corn taco shells organic
• shredded cheese or shredded carrots as a topping
• Tomatoes as a topping, or tomato-based salsa, chopped/diced
• squeeze lemon or lime juice as a topping
• 1/2 Bermuda onion chopped, sweet

Instructions

 

• Brown the ground beef thoroughly with the chopped onion.
• (Add the onions when the beef is about halfway cooked to prevent burning.)
• Once the meat is very well done, add the tomato sauce and salsa roja or hot sauce (optional).
• Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of salsa roja or hot sauce to taste.
• (The goal is to add chile flavor without overpowering the tomato-based flavor of the sauce.)
• Reduce heat and set the meat mixture aside.
• Prepare your corn taco shells and toppings.
• Fill each shell with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the meat and sauce mixture.
• Squeeze a little lemon or lime juice onto the meat mixture to enhance the flavors.
• Add desired toppings:
• If watching calories, use shredded carrots instead of cheese for added nutrition and crunch.
• Alternatively, use your favorite shredded cheese or both cheese and carrots.
• Top with a few chopped or diced tomatoes or tomato-based salsa.
• Serve the tacos as a meal or alongside a tossed salad and/or white or yellow rice.
• This recipe serves four people. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 77gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 211mgSodium: 1836mgPotassium: 2187mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1472IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 11mg

Author: Barbara Day

Calories: 548kcal

Meal Type: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: tacos

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Intermediate

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