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+ servings
Three ground beef tacos in a taco stand.
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5 from 3 votes

Easy Ground Beef Tacos

These Easy Ground Beef Tacos are the perfect choice for a casual, no fuss taco night at home. Fast, simple, and satisfying!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6
Calories: 431kcal

Ingredients

For the Tortillas

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil divided plus additional as needed (optional)
  • 12 5-inch corn tortillas

Optional Toppings

  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup sour cream light or regular
  • diced red onion, chopped tomato, chopped avocado, shredded iceberg lettuce, cilantro, hot sauce

Instructions

  • Place a nonstick skillet over MEDIUM heat and coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
  • When hot, add the ground beef and onion and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and crumbled, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
  • Add the taco seasoning and cook, stirring for a minute or two, or until the meat is well coated with the spices. Add the tomato sauce and water. Heat mixture until bubbling then reduce heat under skillet to MEDIUM-LOW. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has reduced. Remove from the heat.

Prepare the Tortillas

  • Add just enough oil to a 10- to 12-inch skillet to lightly coat the bottom and place it over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking) add a tortilla and cook it for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until golden brown and toasted. Flip and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds to toast the other side. Transfer the tortilla to a double layer of paper towels and blot any excess oil with additional paper towels. Repeat with remaining tortillas, adding additional oil as needed.
  • Alternately, skip the oil and toast your tortillas in a dry skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat for about 30 to 60 seconds per side, or until nicely toasted.

Notes

Nutrition information was calculated for 2 tacos per serving each with 1 tablespoon cheese and light sour cream. 
To save time, prep the toppings in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve, or enlist the help of a family member to be the prep cook!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Transfer leftover taco filling to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 3 to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Freezer: Allow the taco filling to cool and then transfer it to a freezer safe plastic storage bag or other freezer safe container. Label the container and freeze. Use the frozen ground beef filling within 3 to 4 months for the best quality. Safely thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tacos | Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 465mg | Potassium: 664mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 4mg