Menu
Classic Ground Beef Tacos on a plate

Ground Beef & Beef · Easy

Classic Ground Beef Tacos

These classic ground beef tacos are seasoned from scratch and piled into warm shells with fresh toppings, ready for taco night in about 20 minutes.

Loading rating…
10Prep min
10Cook min
20Total min

What you'll need

  • 1 lbground beef
  • 1 tablespoonchili powder
  • 1 teaspooncumin
  • 1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
  • 1/3 cupwater
  • 8taco shells or tortillas
  • shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese for topping

Let's cook

  1. 1Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks; drain excess fat.
  2. 2Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and water, simmering for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  3. 3Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package directions.
  4. 4Fill each shell with the seasoned beef and top with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
  5. 5Serve immediately.

Make it yours

  • Use ground turkey for a leaner filling.
  • Add black beans to stretch the recipe further.
  • Top with pickled jalapeños for extra heat.

Good with

  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans
  • Fresh salsa and guacamole

Frequently asked questions

Good questions, answered.

Can I make my own taco seasoning?

Yes, the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder blend here works as a simple homemade seasoning.

Can I make the beef ahead?

Yes, cook and season it ahead, then reheat with a splash of water before serving.

Ratings & reviews

Made this recipe?

Share a star rating and comment. We’ll verify your email address, then review submissions before they appear here. Email verification confirms inbox access, not that you cooked the recipe.

Loading approved reviews…

The code, rating, and comment fields stay visible below. Request a code to unlock them.

Your name appears publicly if your review is approved. Your email address stays private.

Your rating
Add a photo (optional)

No Replit sign-in is needed. Request and enter your email code before choosing a photo. Photos stay private until the review is approved.

Keep cooking

Quick Beef and Bean Taco Skillet on a plate
20 min · Easy

Quick Beef and Bean Taco Skillet

This quick ground beef skillet combines seasoned beef, beans, and melty cheese for an easy taco-inspired dinner ready in about 20 minutes.

One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Rice on a plate
30 min · Easy

One-Pan Beef Taco Skillet with Rice

This one-pan beef taco skillet combines seasoned beef, rice, and corn for a complete taco-flavored dinner cooked in a single skillet, ready in about 30 minutes.

Easy Beef Chili on a plate
45 min · Easy

Easy Beef Chili

This easy beef chili is thick, hearty, and packed with warm spices. It simmers in about 40 minutes for a satisfying dinner that's even better the next day.