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Ground Beef for Tacos Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

This flavorful Ground Beef for Tacos recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. The beef is seasoned with a blend of classic Mexican spices and cooked in a cast iron skillet to achieve a savory, juicy filling ideal for tacos, burritos, or nachos.

Ingredients

Meat and Oil

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80% or 90% lean)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the skillet: Preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
  2. Heat the oil: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet and heat it until shimmering to ensure the beef cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
  3. Add beef and seasonings: Add the ground beef, tomato paste, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes) into the skillet.
  4. Cook the beef: Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon occasionally so it cooks evenly. Continue stirring until the beef is no longer pink in the middle, about 7 to 9 minutes.
  5. Serve or store: Serve the seasoned ground beef immediately in crispy taco shells with your favorite taco toppings. Alternatively, let it cool, then store in freezer-safe plastic bags for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef (80-90%) provides good flavor without excessive fat.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for mild flavor.
  • You can customize the seasoning to taste, adding more or less chili powder or cumin.
  • For a healthier option, drain excess fat after cooking the beef if desired.
  • Store leftovers properly sealed in the freezer to maintain freshness up to 3 months.
  • Serve with taco toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, or avocado for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/ground-beef-for-tacos-recipe/