traditional taco recipe ground beef
The Best traditional taco recipe ground beef
Classic Homemade Taco Ground Beef
A simple, flavorful way to make tender ground beef taco filling with a homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for filling your favorite taco shells.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed. -
2
Stir in taco seasoning, beef broth, and diced tomatoes with juices. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. -
3
Add tomato paste, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook another 5 minutes until flavors meld. -
4
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving in taco shells.
🔧Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Taco shells
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Homemade Taco Ground Beef Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Ground Beef
What’s the best way to brown the ground beef for tacos?
Use a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches until it’s no longer pink and crumbles easily, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat before seasoning to keep the tacos moist.
Should I add spices before or after browning the beef?
Season the beef after browning—this ensures the spices caramelize slightly for deeper flavor. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt while cooking, then let it simmer for 1 minute before mixing in the remaining ingredients.
How do I avoid making my tacos dry?
Keep the beef moist by:
– Cooking it in a little oil (½–1 tbsp) instead of fat.
– Adding a splash of broth or water when browning, then simmering until reduced.
– Wrapping the beef in a damp paper towel while resting before serving.
Can I use pre-ground beef to save time?
Yes, but opt for a high-quality package (like 90% lean) and check for added fillers like corn or potatoes. Season it fresh in the skillet for the best flavor.
What’s the secret to making the beef tender?
Let the beef rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. For extra tenderness, stir in a little cornstarch or flour before adding liquid, or add a pinch of baking powder (just ¼ tsp) while simmering.
