Ground Beef Tacos
Classic ground beef tacos with homemade taco seasoning, browned and simmered until saucy, ready in about 20 minutes. An easy, family-favorite weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce
- 8 taco shells or tortillas
- shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese, and sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
- Season the beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the beef is evenly coated.
- Simmer: Add the water and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the beef looks saucy, not soupy.
- Warm the shells: While the beef simmers, warm the taco shells or tortillas according to the package directions.
- Assemble: Fill the shells with the beef and top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream.
Notes
Simmer the beef until the liquid mostly cooks off, a saucy-not-soupy texture is what keeps the shells from getting soggy.