Perfect Ground Beef Tacos

These Perfect Ground Beef Tacos are a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, perfect for taco night or whenever you’re craving a savory, satisfying dish. With caramelized onions, savory taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes, this easy-to-make filling creates the ideal base for your tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious, customizable meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos are bursting with flavor, thanks to the sweet caramelized onions, seasoned beef, and juicy diced tomatoes. The taco seasoning ties everything together, and the best part is that they come together in just 20 minutes. It’s a simple and tasty recipe that’s sure to be a hit with your family, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s quick but delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized onion, diced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 packet of Taco Seasoning (Trader Joe’s recommended)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Onion: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until browned and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until fully cooked and there is no pink remaining.

3. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the packet. If you like extra spice, feel free to use the entire packet of seasoning.

4. Simmer: After about 5 minutes, add the can of diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine, and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld together.

5. Serve: Serve the taco meat hot in your favorite taco shells or tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, cheese, or any of your favorite taco toppings!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or even black beans to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.

• Extra Spice: For a spicier taco filling, add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper along with the taco seasoning.

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make the taco meat ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the taco meat ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

2. Can I freeze the taco meat?

Yes, you can freeze the taco meat for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can use plant-based ground meat or beans as a substitute for the beef.

4. How do I make the taco filling less greasy?

Use lean ground beef (like 90% lean) to reduce the grease. You can also drain the excess fat after browning the beef before adding the seasoning.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, fresh diced tomatoes work just as well. You may need to cook them down for a few extra minutes to release their juices.

6. How do I make the tacos spicier?

To add more heat, you can include chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili powder.

7. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely! You can make your own taco seasoning using spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

8. Can I use this taco meat for other dishes?

Yes, you can use the taco meat in tacos, burritos, taco bowls, or even on top of nachos or salads for a versatile meal.

9. Can I add cheese to the taco meat?

Yes, you can stir in some shredded cheese to make it extra creamy, or top the tacos with cheese before serving.

10. How can I make the taco filling more savory?

You can add a splash of soy sauce or soy sauce for extra umami flavor, or even a little bit of cumin or smoked paprika.

Conclusion

These Perfect Ground Beef Tacos are quick, easy, and full of flavor! The seasoned beef, caramelized onions, and savory tomatoes make for a delicious taco filling, and they come together in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy!

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