The Best Taco Recipe
This quick and easy taco recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. Ground beef is cooked with a homemade spice blend until browned and flavorful, forming the perfect base for a comforting taco night. Pile the seasoned meat into warm tortillas and top with traditional favorites like shredded cheese, sour cream, crisp lettuce, and zesty salsa. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want a fast dinner, this recipe is endlessly customizable and always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons chili powder or to taste; use less if you are sensitive to spice or your chili powder is very spicy
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 8 taco-size corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings as desired: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, chopped red onion, etc.
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking. Once the meat is fully browned, check for any excess grease in the skillet. If you're using lean ground beef such as 90% or 93%, there may be little to no grease to drain. If needed, carefully pour off any excess to avoid a greasy filling.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly mixed into the meat. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the meat is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Serve the seasoned beef hot in warmed tortillas and add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or avocado. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
If you prefer to use a premade blend, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning in place of the individual spices listed in the recipe. Just be sure to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt if your seasoning mix doesn’t already include it, so the flavor stays balanced.
The nutrition estimate provided is for the taco meat only, using 85% lean ground beef. It does not include taco shells or any toppings, as those can vary widely based on the type and amount you choose.
The nutrition estimate provided is for the taco meat only, using 85% lean ground beef. It does not include taco shells or any toppings, as those can vary widely based on the type and amount you choose.