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Easy Beef Tacos

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Updated Aug 30, 2024
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This easy taco recipe is amazingly simple to make and so flavorful, no wonder it’s gotten a 5-star rating from our fans! How is it possible to get taqueria-worthy tacos with just six ingredients? Simmering salsa with your ground beef cuts down on the number of ingredients needed to prepare the freshly cooked taco meat that’s bursting with taste. It also cuts down on the prep time, since you measure and chop fewer ingredients. Then pair with just a few other toppings that fill crunchy taco shells. These tacos offer color, texture, and flavor, making these tacos both satisfying to look at and a delight to devour!

With so few ingredients, this dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for even your busiest of days. Serve with cooked rice and fresh fruit on the side, for an easy dinner everyone will love.

How to Make Easy Beef Tacos

These easy steps show you how to make beef tacos. Refer to the recipe for all the ingredients, measurements, and directions to assure they turn out perfectly every time. With no extra ingredients that won’t fill the shells and end up going to waste:

Prepare the Taco Meat

Brown the ground beef and drain off the liquid that cooks out of it, otherwise you could get a watered-down flavor or a greasy taste. Simmer the beef with the salsa for 5 minutes so that the meat soaks up all the delicious flavors of the ingredients in the salsa. Pour the mixture into a large bowl; cover it to keep it warm while heating the taco shells.

Heat the Taco Shells

Heat the shells as directed on the package, for the perfect texture and temperature for serving.

Serve with Toppings

Serve the shells and taco meat with side bowls of shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese. That way everyone can fill their own taco(s), making it even easier to get dinner on the table quickly.

Toppings for Tacos

We’ve used just a few basic toppings for the tacos that deliver on color, texture, and flavor in a 30-minute recipe, but you don’t have to stop there! Try any of these toppings or mix and match, because the best beef tacos are the ones made with your favorite ingredients:

Boost the Veggies: Add finely chopped bell pepper, sliced fresh or pickled onions, sliced or cooked radishes, roasted corn, or shredded cabbage.

Add Fruit: Fruit on tacos? Why, yes—both olives and avocados are considered fruits—and are tasty tacos toppers. Or for a unique twist, try pineapple!

Add Some Heat: For heat, add sliced fresh jalapeño or other chiles that range in flavor from mild to very hot. Sriracha, red pepper sauce, or kimchi will add a spicy flavor kick.

Swap Out the Cheese: Substitute shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend, or crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for the Cheddar cheese.

Get Saucy: Top your tacos with a spoonful of salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make the Tacos Ahead of Time?

Our beef tacos recipe is already faster than take-out, as it’s ready to serve in just 30 minutes, but we know there are times you need dinner on the table even faster, so try these tips:

Get a jump on dinner by prepping the toppings earlier in the day. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Heat the taco shells while you prepare the taco meat, and they’ll be ready to fill when your hungry crowd gathers in the kitchen.

We don’t recommend making the taco meat in advance and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer to reheat for later. The flavors in the taco meat will weaken with storage, resulting in tacos that aren’t as flavorful.

Easy Beef Tacos

  • Prep Time 15 min
  • Total 30 min
  • Servings 10
  • Ingredients 6
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean (at least 80%) ground beef
  • 1 cup thick & chunky salsa
  • 10 taco shells from 1 box (4.6 oz) Old El Paso™ Crunchy Taco Shells (12 Count)
  • 1/2 head lettuce, shredded
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped (3/4 cup)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Cook beef in 10-inch skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain.
  • Step 
    2
    Stir salsa into beef. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour beef mixture into large serving bowl; cover to keep warm.
  • Step 
    3
    Heat taco shells as directed on package. Serve taco shells with beef mixture, lettuce, tomato and cheese.

Nutrition

190 Calories
11 g Total Fat
12 g Protein
10 g Total Carbohydrate

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
190
Calories from Fat
100
Total Fat
11 g
Saturated Fat
5 g
Cholesterol
40 mg
Sodium
320 mg
Potassium
190 mg
Total Carbohydrate
10 g
Dietary Fiber
1 g
Protein
12 g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
8%
8%
Vitamin C
6%
6%
Calcium
8%
8%
Iron
6%
6%
Exchanges:
1/2 Starch; 1 Fat;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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