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Home > Recipes > Main Dishes

Ground Beef Tacos

Published: October 12, 2021 • Updated: Mar 18, 2023 • This post may contain affiliate links.

gluten-free

Ground Beef Tacos are made with lean ground beef and seasoned with homemade taco seasoning. This recipe is ready in only 20 minutes and is perfect for tacos, quesadillas, taco pizzas, nachos, and taco salads!

Finished ground beef tacos with onions in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spatula.
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Make taco pizza
  • Add-ins
  • Storing and reheating
  • Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

What's the quickest, easiest, and most delicious dinner for a busy weeknight? You guessed it, TACOS! Let's not forget how versatile taco meat is. Use it for Tater Tot Nachos, Taco Bell Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme, or Cheesy Taco Pasta. My favorite way to use leftover taco meat is for quesadillas. So cheesy and so gooey!

I used to think that the only way to make tacos was with premade taco seasoning packets. I was so wrong. This homemade seasoning packs so much flavor you won't even believe it!

Aerial view of finished taco meat recipe in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spatula.

Ingredients

This recipe requires the easiest ingredients and most of them could be found in your pantry! To make Ground Beef Taco Meat, you will need:

  • Hamburger
  • White onion
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper
Ingredients for ground beef tacos: beef, onion, seasonings. Displayed on a white plate and white bowls.

Step-by-step instructions

Brown the hamburger meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. We use 90% lean ground beef, so we like to keep the extra grease in the pan. Drain the meat if you're using a higher percentage.

While the hamburger meat is cooking, combine the seasonings. Add the diced onions, seasonings, and water, and stir occasionally. This is also when you will add additional add-ins, such as cooked rice, corn, or Rotel.

Cooking beef, onions, and seasonings in a cast iron skillet to make ground beef tacos.

Let simmer over low or medium-low heat until the sauce thickens up and your desired consistency is reached. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes.

Make taco pizza

This recipe is also delicious as a taco pizza!

Make fresh pizza dough or use thawed frozen dough. Bake the dough for a few minutes (or according to package directions). Layer refried beans and ground beef taco meat on top. Cover with your favorite cheese and bake according to the recipe or package directions. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings such as:

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or taco sauce
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Nacho cheese-flavored chips
Featured recipe used for a taco pizza, displayed on a pizza peel.

Add-ins

There are many delicious ways to stretch taco meat (and for cheap!).

One of my favorite add-ins is one 15-ounce can of drained black beans added during Step 3. We find the added beans are especially good when making burritos and taco salads! Cooked rice, corn, or a can of Rotel would also make great additions.

Ground beef tacos with added black beans.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerator: Taco meat can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.

Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to three months.

Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat: Portion the meat and reheat it in the microwave until heated through.

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Recipe

Ground Beef Taco Meat
This Ground Beef Taco Meat is made with lean ground beef and seasoned with homemade taco seasoning. This recipe is ready in only 20 minutes and is perfect for tacos, quesadillas, taco pizzas, nachos, and taco salads!
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • lb hamburger meat we use 90/10
  • ½ white onion diced
  • ¼ to ½ cup water

For the Homemade Taco Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Brown hamburger meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (drain hamburger if necessary).
  • While the hamburger meat is cooking, combine the seasonings.
  • Add diced onions and seasonings.
  • Add water and stir occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer until the desired consistency is reached (about 5 to 8 minutes).

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 5.5gProtein: 23.9g
Nutritional Disclaimer

The nutritional information provided is only an estimate. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

Keyword beef, quick & easy, skillet, stovetop
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Hi, I'm Ashleigh and I'm passionate about creating healthy, flavorful dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

As a recipe developer, food blogger, and avid cook, my goal is to inspire you to cook wholesome meals that are both simple and vibrant. Our recipes are designed to be accessible to all levels of home cooks and are so delicious that you'll want to make them again and again.

As an Iowa native, I love to incorporate local, in-season ingredients into my gluten-free recipes. So come join me on a culinary journey that celebrates the joys of food and a healthier lifestyle!

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