Today, we’re diving into a timeless classic that’s bound to bring smiles to your dinner table – Ground Beef Tacos.
These aren’t just any tacos; we’re talking about homemade taco meat generously stuffed into freshly fried taco shells, a true fiesta of flavors!
Perfect for a quick yet delicious family meal, this recipe is all about simplicity and taste, with everything ready in less than half an hour.
So, let’s get cooking and transform your kitchen into the ultimate taco station with this easy, flavorful recipe!
How to Prepare This Meal
1. Cooking the Ground Beef: Start by heating your skillet over a medium flame. Once hot, crumble in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, ensuring even cooking. Keep stirring until it’s thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Once done, remove any excess grease by draining the beef.
2. Adding Flavor: Turn down the heat to low and return the skillet to the stove. Now it’s time to add some zest! Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle your taco seasoning over the beef. Stir the mixture well to ensure the meat is fully coated in this flavorful sauce.
3. Let it Simmer: Let the beef simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step infuses the meat with all the rich flavors of the sauce and spices.
4. Frying the Tortillas: It’s taco shell time! Pour oil into a separate skillet and heat it over medium-high. To test the temperature, dip a corner of a tortilla into the oil – if it sizzles, you’re good to go. Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they get a bit of color and crispness.
5. Shaping the Shells: Once fried, move the tortillas to a paper towel to drain off any excess oil. Then, fold them into that classic taco shape. You can use tongs or a couple of forks to help with this – be careful, they’ll be hot!
6. Assembly Time: Now, the fun part – filling your tacos! Spoon the savory ground beef into each shell. This is your canvas, so feel free to add any toppings you love to make these tacos your own.
And there you have it – a taco night that’s as easy as it is delicious. Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Tacos!
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 70-80% lean
- 1 tbsp chili Powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp dried Mexican oregano
- ¼ tsp granulated garlic
- ¼ tsp granulated onion
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 8 white corn tortillas
- ½ cup oil avocado or vegetable
Instructions
- Browning the Beef: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to crumble and stir it as it cooks. Continue until the beef is thoroughly browned and shows no signs of pink.
- Removing Excess Grease: After the beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease. Then, return the skillet to the stove, reducing the heat to a low setting.
- Seasoning the Meat: Introduce 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and your taco seasoning into the skillet. Mix these into the beef until it's uniformly coated with the sauce.
- Simmering the Beef: Let the beef mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Frying the Tortillas: Heat 1/2 cup of oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Test the oil's readiness by dipping a tortilla edge in; it should sizzle and bubble. Then, carefully place the tortilla in the oil, frying each side for approximately 30 seconds to achieve a golden color and slight crispness.
- Shaping the Tortillas: After frying, transfer the tortilla to paper towels to drain the oil. Then, while it's still pliable, fold the tortilla into a taco shape using tongs or two forks.
- Assembling the Tacos: Fill the shaped tortillas with the seasoned ground beef and garnish with your choice of toppings.
Storing Your Ground Beef Tacos
Storing the Components Separately: The key to keeping your Ground Beef Tacos delicious for later is to store each component separately. This way, you can enjoy freshly assembled tacos even on the next day!
1. Storing the Beef: Once the taco meat has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meat in a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag, where it will keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
2. Keeping the Tortillas Fresh: Store any leftover tortillas in their original packaging, or wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in the pantry if you plan to use them within a few days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have already fried the tortillas, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for 2-3 days.
3. Handling Leftover Toppings: If you have leftover toppings like chopped vegetables, cheese, or salsa, store each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most toppings will last for a few days, although fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes or lettuce are best used within a day or two for optimal freshness.
Reassembling the Tacos: When you’re ready to enjoy your tacos again, simply reheat the beef and tortillas. Assemble the tacos as you did before, adding fresh toppings if available. This method ensures that every taco is as delicious as it was on the first day!
