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Our experts in the test kitchens developed this recipe to be super-simple, for your busiest nights. Thick and chunky salsa is stirred into the cooked ground beef, to add all the savory flavors of tomatoes, bell peppers, chiles and onions into the filling without any chopping required. This simplified easy beef taco recipe is a scrumptious way to enjoy a family favorite in just 30 minutes.First appearing in our 1999 Kids’ Cook! Cookbook, this beef tacos recipe hasn’t changed over the years. The straight-forward instructions make it a winner for new cooks as well as anyone looking to get a dinner on the table that will be loved by all.

easy beef tacos

Our 5-star beef taco recipe uses salsa to season the ground beef for the best beef tacos with easy toppings you can get on the table in 30 minutes.&nbsp;

To shred lettuce, cut crosswise into thin strips using a large chef’s knife and cutting board.

Look for shredded Mexican cheese blends where you’d find the cheddar cheese—they’re usually a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, and sometimes a sprinkle of mild chili powder.

Have everyone fill their own tacos at the table. Or invest in taco holders that hold taco shells in place while you fill and serve them or patienceforj says, “I recommend stand 'n stuff shells, much easier to fill than regular tacos.”

Recipe meets Kitchen Tested criteria.  Reviewed as part of project  MSO-5941 BC Audit 200 recipes

Only 6 beef tacos ingredients are needed to make this fast and flavorful supper.Ground Beef: After trying several varieties of ground beef, our test kitchen recipe developers settled on using 80% lean for the best flavor without breaking the bank.Thick and Chunky Salsa: We chose a thick and chunky salsa variety for this recipe to bulk up the ground beef with visible pieces of veggies. Choose a medium or hot variety to add spiciness.Crunchy Taco Shells: We’ve perfectly-sized the filling to fill 10 crispy taco shells with enough room for the toppings, but feel free to use whatever type of taco shells or tortillas you like.Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Lettuce, a tomato and shredded cheddar cheese.&nbsp;

Recipe Ingredients 

Here is a quick rundown of the equipment you’ll need to make this beef taco recipe.10-Inch Skillet: Either a regular finish or a nonstick skillet will work well for this recipe. We found there’s enough fat in the meat to prevent it from sticking while it browns.Colander and Bowl: Use a large colander set in a heatproof bowl to drain the ground beef. Later when the grease is cool and solidified, you can discard it.Silicone Cooking Spoon: We love silicone spoons because they won’t scratch your pans.Taco Holders: Not essential, but nice to have as they hold the shells upright for serving without tipping over.Other Equipment You’ll Need: Both dry and liquid measuring cups, cookie sheet, sharp knife and a cutting board.

Cookware You’ll Need

Here are the simple steps for how to make ground beef tacos.<h3>1. Cook and Season the Taco Meat</h3>Cook the ground beef until it is brown, inside and out. Drain by pouring beef into a colander sitting in a heatproof bowl. Return beef to the pan and stir in the salsa; let simmer to combine the flavors.<h3>2. Heat the Taco Shells</h3>Our experts find that warming the shells according to the package directions brings out their flavor and makes the tacos easier to eat.<h3>3. Fill the Shells and Serve</h3>Spoon about 1/4 cup taco meat into each shell. Divide the lettuce, tomato, and cheese evenly among the shells. Serve immediately so the shells won’t get soft from the taco meat and toppings.

How to Make Tacos with Ground Beef

With just a simple addition or substitution, you can change up this beef tacos recipe to make it your own.Change the Meat: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even bulk chorizo sausage instead of the ground beef. Spray the skillet with cooking spray before cooking these meats, as they can stick to the pan.Add Some Heat: Stir in a 4-oz can of medium or hot diced green chiles with the salsa.Create Taco Bowls: Serve the taco meat on beds of shredded lettuce or rice, rather than in the taco shells. “We made taco bowls. They were Aaawwsome! Added garden onions and black olives.” Twinkles2016Looking to switch up your taco night? Give <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chicken-ranch-tacos/d33cbe8b-cbe0-42e6-9fae-7be45811fde7">chicken ranch tacos</a> a try. <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-oven-baked-chicken-tacos/ced3f057-45f7-443b-8902-582297c3dfb9">Baked chicken tacos</a> are baked in the oven until the cheese is all melty. Check out Betty’s huge collection of <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/taco-recipes">taco recipes</a> to make every taco Tuesday unique.&nbsp;

Possible Variations 

Serve up any of these delicious taco toppings or great sides with easy beef tacos and make it a meal to remember.Toppings• <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/guacamole/3a8001fd-c26f-4047-a5f9-09393db4b882">Guacamole</a>• Sliced black or green pimiento-stuffed olives&nbsp;• Sauces such as taco, queso, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, ranch or sriracha&nbsp; • Fresh veggies including diced bell peppers or onions, sliced chiles or roasted cornSide Dishes• <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/basic-spanish-rice/0d480deb-480d-4a8a-a999-91c5eb4bd7b8">Spanish Rice</a>: Chili powder and garlic seasoned rice with tomatoes is the perfect side for tacos. &nbsp;• Cheesy Refried Beans: A natural choice since the mild flavor goes well with tacos. Place canned refried beans in a &nbsp; microwavable bowl; sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Microwave on medium-high (70%) about 2 minutes or until heated through.• <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/basil-corn-salad/65e430b7-bc55-443e-b6bc-d0c2f4256b72">Basil-Corn Salad</a>: The bright textures and flavors of this dish taste great next to the taco meat-filled taco shells.

Taco Toppings

Here is the best way our experts have found to store and reheat beef tacos.<h3>Refrigerator</h3>Place the taco meat and toppings in separate air-tight containers. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days.<h3>Freezer</h3>We do not recommend storing leftover beef tacos in the freezer as the meat will lose its flavor and the shells and toppings will become soggy.<h3>Reheating</h3>Heat taco shells as directed on package. Spoon taco meat into a small microwavable bowl. Cover loosely and microwave on medium-high (70%) 30 seconds to 1 minute or until an instant-read food thermometer inserted in the center of the taco meat reaches at least 165°F. Fill shells as directed in Step 3.

Storing and Reheating

Our fans give this beef taco recipe high praise for being a great weeknight dinner recipe.We’re not surprised that many of our community members mention this recipe was loved by their entire family—both kids and adults alike. Hunter3 tells us, “So easy to make and the whole family love it including my 8-yr old.” Our fans also tell us that the flavor is surprisingly tasty—even with just a few ingredients.We’ve heard from reviewers that they praise the recipe for being straightforward, easy to follow, and quick to prepare. They love that it is a convenient option for those busy days—we’re totally with you on that! They have success making modifications to the recipe, changing up the toppings, cheese or salsa and still getting delicious results.

Why Betty Users Love This Recipe

Here’s how to get a jump on serving these tasty tacos even faster.Prep the Taco Meat and Toppings: Cook the taco meat, cut the lettuce and tomato, but store them as directed in the Storing and Reheating section above.Reheat and Fill the Tacos: Reheat the taco meat as directed in the Storing and Reheating section above. Heat the taco shells per package instructions. Fill and top the tacos.

Can I make the tacos ahead of time?

There are a few ways you can turn this beef tacos recipe into chicken tacos.Use Ground Chicken: Swap ground chicken for the ground beef in the recipe—except spray the skillet with cooking spray before it’s cooked.Use Cooked Chicken: You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups shredded leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken or drained canned chicken. Place chicken and salsa in a skillet and proceed with Step 2 of the instructions.

Can I substitute chicken for beef in tacos?

You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef to serve 4 to 5 people, depending on appetites. For both the taco meat mixture and the toppings to fit inside the taco shells, you’ll use about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture per taco. For a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe.

How much beef per person do I need for beef tacos?

easy-beef-tacos

Easy Beef Tacos

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Kids will race home from a long day at school when they know they're having Fiesta Spaghetti Tacos for dinner! Crunchy and oh-so-yummy, these zany handhelds will brighten any meal. Here's how to make spaghetti tacos.

fiesta spaghetti tacos

Want to switch up this Fiesta Spaghetti Tacos recipe? If you or your little ones like corn, try adding 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn in with the pasta sauce. Cook about 5 minutes or until hot.

This recipe is every kid’s (or kid at heart’s) dream come true. And with staple ingredients like ground beef, spaghetti noodles and taco shells, it’s an ideal recipe for busy families! This spaghetti-taco hybrid only takes 25 minutes and three steps to make, so it’s perfect for those crazy weeknights when dinner needs to be on the table ASAP. Or if you’re looking to throw your own fiesta, this recipe would be super easy to make for a crowd (especially if you use <a href="https://www.oldelpaso.com/products/stand-n-stuff-taco-shells-10-count" target="_blank">Stand N’ Stuff taco shells</a> to avoid a mess). No matter who you’re making this for, we’ll bet you won’t hear any complaints. And if you’re looking for more fun, fiesta-worthy ideas, explore Betty’s best <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/taco-recipes" target="_blank">taco recipes</a>.

Recipe meets Kitchen Tested criteria.  Reviewed as part of SEO improvements Oct. 2019.

fiesta-spaghetti-tacos

Fiesta Spaghetti Tacos

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Don't choose between nachos and tacos for dinner -- combine them both in one delicious meal, using  Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix for a truly authentic flavor.

nacho tacos

Add any of your favorite nacho toppings, such as sliced ripe olives or pickled jalapeño slices.

For a bit more spice, add some juice from a jar of pickled jalapeños at the same time as the soup.

nacho-tacos

Nacho Tacos

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Let your slow cooker bring the party with these layered beef tacos! We took everyone’s favorite layered taco dip and thought: what if we put it on tacos? And with make-ahead instructions, it’s safe to say this idea was genius. Your slow cooker keeps the seasoned beef mixture warm, so guests can fill tacos themselves without you running back and forth from the kitchen. Layer your 13x9 with lettuce, roasted corn, red bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, avocados, salsa and cheese, and guests will be able to add all their toppings in one go! Once everyone fills their Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N Stuff™ taco shells, the party can officially begin! 

slow cooker party beef tacos

It's easy to double or triple this recipe for larger groups. Cook the meat mixture in batches, cool and refrigerate it or freeze it as directed in the recipe.

This recipe combines all of the taco topping ingredients in a layered "salad". This method of layering the toppings will help people move through the buffet line faster.

Want to enjoy your next party? Save this recipe! These slow-cooker tacos serve 30 and are meant to be made ahead, saving you time on the day of and freeing you up to enjoy your company. Then again, you can also rely on this recipe for impromptu parties thanks to the day-of instructions. So no matter what your hosting personality may be, this recipe’s a keeper. One of the clever aspects of this recipe is the way all the taco toppings get combined into, essentially, a layered salad. Your guests can scoop all the good stuff onto their tacos in one go to help keep the buffet line moving. So next fiesta, make your <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/taco-recipes" target="_blank"> tacos</a> the easy way — in the slow cooker!

A great addition to these layered beef tacos would be a side of hearty guacamole. Our <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/loaded-guacamole/5dd403c3-5176-43f3-9a27-1656d9f16637" target="_blank">Loaded Guacamole</a> will add even more flavor and layers to your fiesta!

slow-cooker-party-beef-tacos

Slow-Cooker Party Beef Tacos

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If you like Sloppy Joes and plenty of spice, you’ll want to try Taco Joes. The spicy ground beef has the heat turned up with the addition of salsa. And it’s served in taco shells, of course!

taco joes

It’s easy to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. If you don’t have a nonstick skillet, you may want to spray your skillet with cooking spray before cooking the ground turkey.

Substitution                

If crisp taco shells aren't your style, make a "wrap." Place the filling in the center of a soft flour tortilla, and roll it up!



Variation                   

taco-joes

Taco Joes

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Start game day right with these fun soft tacos! Mini taco-seasoned beef “basketballs” are the star in this recipe, especially when layered with fresh toppings like shredded white cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce and pico de gallo!

game day tacos

Salsa can be substituted for pico de gallo in this recipe.

Serve these tacos with chips, guacamole, refried beans and salsa.

game-day-tacos

Game Day Tacos

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Turn simple tacos into fun Halloween surprises with these simple olive toppers.

tarantula tacos

tarantula-tacos

Tarantula Tacos

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Turn cheese slices, olives, and tomatoes into snaggle-toothed grins for these Halloween tacos.

halloween monster mouth tacos

Ground turkey can be used in place of the ground beef.

Tips

halloween-monster-mouth-tacos

Halloween Monster-Mouth Tacos

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Feeding a crowd? Make taco filling in a slow cooker and let guests line up for the tasty taco filling.

slow cooker smoky chipotle soft tacos

To save on fat and calories, use ground turkey breast instead of ground beef. You'll save 7 grams of fat and 50 calories per serving.

Health Twist

For taco meat with a kick, use half ground beef and half spicy chorizo sausage.

Variation

Carry out the Mexican theme of your menu with bowls of black beans, Spanish rice, tortilla chips and salsa.

Special Touch

Mole sauce is a rich, spicy and slightly sweet Mexican sauce.  Look for it with the Mexican ingredients in your supermarket.  If it's unavailable, enchilada sauce is a good substitute.

Substitution

slow-cooker-smoky-chipotle-soft-tacos

Slow-Cooker Smoky Chipotle Soft Tacos

MEX_0116

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MG ORG PASTA SC ITALIAN HERB 25.5OZ

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OEP SFT TORT BOWL DNR KT 8CT 10.9OZ

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Beef Taco Recipes

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Easy Beef Tacos

Fiesta Spaghetti Tacos

Nacho Tacos

Slow-Cooker Party Beef Tacos

Taco Joes

Game Day Tacos

Tarantula Tacos

Halloween Monster-Mouth Tacos

Slow-Cooker Smoky Chipotle Soft Tacos

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Bake Up Something Special

Beef Taco Recipes

Easy Beef Tacos

Fiesta Spaghetti Tacos

Nacho Tacos

Slow-Cooker Party Beef Tacos

Taco Joes

Game Day Tacos

Tarantula Tacos

Halloween Monster-Mouth Tacos

Slow-Cooker Smoky Chipotle Soft Tacos

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Beef Taco Recipes

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Bake Up Something Special

Beef Taco Recipes

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