Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make classic beef taco recipe that brings the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table. This recipe features seasoned ground beef cooked with aromatics and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa—all served in crispy taco shells. Perfect for casual meals or festive gatherings, these tacos deliver a satisfying and delicious experience for taco lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings & Assembly
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking and sauté until the onions become translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with a splash of water as directed on the seasoning packet. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is fully absorbed into the beef.
- Season to Taste: Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Stir to combine well.
- Prepare Toppings: While the beef cooks, shred the lettuce and dice the tomatoes. Arrange the shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa in separate bowls for easy serving.
- Heat Taco Shells: Warm the taco shells following the package instructions so they are crisp and ready to assemble.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill each warmed taco shell with a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef, then add shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and top each taco with a dollop of sour cream and salsa.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Classic Beef Tacos while hot for the best flavor and enjoy a delicious Mexican-style meal at home.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to your preference by adding jalapeños, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro for added flavor.
- Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
- For a spicier option, add hot sauce or extra chili powder to the beef mixture.
- If you want to keep the shells warm longer, wrap them in foil after heating.
- Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in burritos or salads.
