Description
These Easy Homemade Ground Meat Tacos are a delicious and quick meal featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with fresh onions and garlic, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, and served in warm taco shells with a variety of fresh toppings. Perfect for a satisfying Taco Tuesday or any busy weeknight, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a tasty Mexican-inspired dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
Taco Shells and Toppings
- 8 taco shells or tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Cook the diced onion until softened and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the tacos from being greasy.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water to evenly coat the beef mixture.
- Simmer the mixture: Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Warm taco shells: While the meat simmers, warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package directions to make them pliable and warm.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each warmed taco shell with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef, then top with your choice of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately: Serve the tacos hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to make the tacos lighter and leaner.
- Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or guacamole to create a full meal.
- Leftover taco meat should be stored in an airtight container and can be refrigerated safely for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
