The Best Ground Beef or Turkey Tacos {20-Minute Meal}
Made with a from-scratch taco seasoning that will revolutionize your family taco night, these simple skillet ground beef tacos are perfect!
Tacos are a family favorite around here.
But, much to my family’s dismay, good ol’ classic ground beef tacos don’t appear as often as they would like.
I can always tell when I’ve been experimenting with too many new recipes. My family will turn their long, sad faces toward me and ask: “can we please have tacos…or spaghetti tonight??”
Ugh. Fine.
I can take the hint that we need to go back to the basics every once in a while.
And to be honest, I’m usually happier for it, too, even though I grumble just to make a point.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
How can you complain about a simple weeknight meal, like these perfect ground beef tacos (can totally use ground turkey, too!) that are made from scratch and still on the table in less than 30 minutes.
These homemade tacos really are the best-ever.
They are the only ground beef tacos I’ve made over the last, probably, ten years, because…well, why change a good thing?
You can even feel good about ditching the prepackaged taco seasoning, because a) you can always come back to it later, and b) these tacos are just as fast and easy (and dare I say, more delicious).
As we all know, the great thing about ground beef tacos is that the sky’s the limit as far as how you serve them and what you serve them with.
We are in the camp of crunchy taco shells all the way.
When I feel like it (and think my family won’t revolt), I change up this already simple taco meal and use the meat over a giant taco salad (similar to this chopped taco salad – that homemade dressing is so delicious, it makes me weep).
And one of our favorite rebellious taco moves is to make taco quesadillas instead of the so-last-summer tacos my kids love.
It’s as simple as it sounds – slap a tortilla on a griddle or in a hot skillet, cover it with taco meat, cheese, and another tortilla, and cook until golden and that cheese is all melty.
Once the taco quesadilla is cut into slices, we pile all adornments (lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocados…you know) right on top and dig in with a fork.
Super yummy.
So clearly, the options are endless with this classic ground beef taco recipe! It’s a favorite, favorite. Hope you love it, too!
What To Serve With This:
Fresh fruit, or this Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Mexican Rice
The Best Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey) Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ to ¾ cup chopped white or yellow onion
- 1 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
- Taco shells
- Taco toppings of choice
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey, onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often and breaking the meat into small pieces, until the meat is cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
- Off the heat, drain any excess grease, if needed.
- Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until the mixture smells fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and minced jalapeños, if using. Simmer the mixture for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve in taco shells with your choice of toppings (makes great taco salad, too!).
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: adapted from the Joy of Cooking
Recipe originally published April 2008; updated with new photos, commentary and recipe notes.
230 Comments on “The Best Ground Beef or Turkey Tacos {20-Minute Meal}”
Thank you for this simple but awesome recipe. I finally found out what’s lacking in my dull, dry boring beef taco. I’m a follower now.
I’ve been making this recipe for our family since late 2019, and it is amazing. We make it at least once a month (the kids start harassing me if I’ve gone too long without making it). I omit the jalapenos for the kids, but a good hot sauce helps to add heat for the adults. I’ve also found that we often use more than 8 ounces of tomato sauce, since we like to let it simmer longer to help the flavors deepen even more. We top with diced tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and cream cheese (and hot suace), and it’s a winner every time.
We’ve been loving this for years! It’s ALWAYS a dinnertime success. I bought a giant 7-lb pack of hamburger from Costco and made it all into taco meat, divided them into dinnertime servings, and tossed them in the freezer for easy taco nights. I also just finished writing out the recipe (giving you credit!) for a bridal shower with recipe requests! Thanks so much for this deliciousness.
The best hamburger taco recipe. Im. Always looking for the best recipe of anything. I found this 3 months ago and yummy 5 plus stars
Made tacos I gave it a 10 rating. A lot better than using prepackaged seasoning. Was impressed with the recipe. Going to try her Lasagna. Would highly recommend her recipes.
These are so good! I have wanted to make our tacos healthier by using spices instead of a package and this was perfect! The flavor is so fresh and I love how moist they are. I add rotel, corn and black beans to my tacos to stretch the meat and add healthy ingredients and that worked for this recipe too – I didn’t have to make any adjustments. Thank you Mel! This is a new favorite.
I am curious…It doesn’t look like you used your homemade taco seasoning in this. If you didn’t, why not? Also, if using your homemade taco seasoning, how much do you use?
You could use about 2 tablespoons if using taco seasoning (homemade or not).
Out of the 8 of us only 3 liked the meat. 🙁 We love tacos and eat them a lot. Just didn’t work for my kids. My husband loved the flavor and wants them again. I may try it without the tomato sauce and see if the kids will eat it that way. I love this site and we use it all the time. This one just didn’t quite work for all of us.
this is the most awful stuff i have ever tried to eat. Folks do not add tomato sauce to taco meat. It turns it into ill flavored spaghetti sauce.
Maybe something was off with your tomato sauce?? This is far and away the best taco meat we’ve ever had! I’ve had people rave about it when I’ve made it. Doesn’t taste anything like spaghetti sauce to us….
After making this again last night, I am wondering if you need to double check the freshness/quality of your spices?
To make this meal stretch further, I double the spices (except the chili powder…we are spice wimps) and tomato sauce, and add in a 15-oz can of drained pinto beans to the meat after it’s done cooking. Once the beans are heated through, I mash the whole thing with a potato masher. You seriously can’t tell that there are beans in there and no one but my husband and I are the wiser. Our family of 6 used to go through this recipe in one sitting, but now with adding the beans and extra sauce, it is enough for us to split it in half and have it for two meals. Which is awesome.
Thanks for this tip! I had a crowd tonight so I doubled the original recipe, added an extra 8oz can of tomato sauce and 2 cans of pinto beans (added after meat was cooked) and mashed liked you suggested. Super tasty and a great way to stretch the meat.
MY MISTAKE!! I just posted saying the dish came out too sauce-y, too tomato-y… but it’s my fault. I just checked the 2 cans I used and they each contained 15 ounces (!). Duh! In doubling the recipe, I used 2 lbs beef, etc. One can of sauce would have been just fine. Apologies!!!
Just made this tonight. Overall, a definite success. Next time I make it, I will definitely use only half the amount of tomato sauce because it was just too saucy/wet/tomato-y tasting. But outside of that personal preference, ohh BOY were these great!
Thanks for sharing your recipe, Mel!
I will try this recipe next week when we go down to the shore.
Becky B.
Seriously so yummy and easy to make excellent weeknight meal
This is my go-to recipe and has been for YEARS. Thank you for this. It’s been in heavy rotation for Tuesdays!
Made this today to have with low carb tortillas and they were a big hit! Everyone loved it (I was deliberately heavy handed with the spices so it was warm) and I’ll definitely be making this again soon.
I made these tacos tonight with spaghetti sauce left over from last night (per the recipe). Instead of coriander, I used cilantro. I chose turkey meat for the taco shells. I also omitted the jalapeños – Intold my boys they could add Tapatila instead, if needed. Salsa was also available for a topping. These tacos came out amazing! Something new!
This is hands down the best beef taco recipe. I make it at least once a month. A winner with much kids too!
I made this just tonight. I used Chipotle chili powder and we found it to be a bit warm. We both had a couple of saltine crackers after the taco’s to take some of the heat away.
Will make it again and reduce the amount of chili powder as the fragrance and flavor were excellent.
These tacos are the best!!! We make them at least once a month. This recipe is how I discovered your site. I love it. Thank you!!!!
It was delicious, the spice combination were perfect including coriander, chilly, and cumin. Its always good to mix coriander when using chilly, blends nicely. Thank you!
This is one of my favorite recipes, but I wanted to share something funny that happened while I was making it last night! I was making it for a crowd, so I sextupled it (yes, that’s a word! 6x). I was running late, of course, and wasn’t paying much attention and put 6 tablespoons of cayenne pepper instead of chili powder!!!!! I tried to salvage it because I couldn’t just throw six pounds of ground beef away! So we had a semi hot batch, and a super spicy batch!! My brother in law from Honduras loved it, and both the missionaries ate the spicy meat. One of them was about 3 shades of red the whole time and was sweating profusely, but they loved it. We had a good laugh, but make sure you read the labels! HA!!
Oh my goodness, Natasha! 6 tablespoons of cayenne! My mouth is burning just thinking about it!
Tried this recipe. It was not all that great. Coriander ruined it for me, even though I like coriander. Fresh squeezed like kind of countered some of it, but don’t be making it again.
It wasn’t bad by any means, just not the flavor profile I was looking for. Odd that any negative reviews get thoroughly bashed on here.
Lime, not like
I made the taco meat for my family. It was very good. I doubled it. I think next time I will reduce the tomato sauce by half tho. I used hard shells and put them in the oven with the cheese and meat in them. Then we added avocado tomatoes and lettuce.
I made this recipe last night and it was absolutely DELICIOUS!! I usually prefer chicken tacos over ground beef but this was so good. My husband and I ate darn near the whole thing. My husband is usually the cook and I am jut starting to try cooking myself and I find all your recipes delicious and easy to follow.
Thank you for sharing these great recipes! =)
Made this for a party and I tripled it. Made it the night before and warmed it the next day in the crockpot at the party. It stayed delicious and did not require anything to keep it at it’s peak while on the “warm” setting during the party. Many people asked for the recipe and my picky eater asked me to make it for dinner tonight. That’s the true test in my book!!
This recipe is delicious, and super savory! I added a little shake of ground cinnamon to and finished with a bit of fresh, chopped cilantro. My husband Loved it! I’m definitely going to try the quesadilla suggestion next time!
Love the tacos. Made them for the first time tonight. The best I’ve ever had. I used grass fed beef . Delicious!
Honestly, having tried your recipe, I cannot image why anyone would use a pkg. taco seasoning mix. I (secretly) LOVE tacos and was on a quest for the perfect filling. Yours most definitely fits the bill for me. No crazy (not a fan) chipotle, just good ole fashioned and so much better ground meat filling. I’ve tried other recipes, but yours in my opinion is the one. I use this for tacos and quesadilla’s as well. Thanks Mel!
Thank you!
The best ground beef or ground turkey tacos 20 minute meal was EXCELLENT! I love you!
Seriously the best and easiest tacos! I make them at least monthly. Thanks for the amazing recipes Mel!
Thanks, Aubree!
Can you make this ahead of time and freeze it without diminishing quality and taste?
Yes, I freeze the prepared taco meat quite a bit.
Made it for the first time a few months ago while my fiance was out of town for work. Made it a few weeks later. Our tacos ended up being a taco salad since our crunchy taco shells broke, but that is fine. The recipe is perfect and we love it, I make it about once a week now. Love that it is really easy to make and simple ingredients. I was going to buy taco seasoning at the store but I thought I would try this recipe first and will never buy taco seasoning again!! Thanks for the great recipe:)
Hello, this is our absolute favorite taco recipe I’ve made it several times for my family and the last couple batches I’ve made extra for taco salads and enchilada filling. Looking forward to enjoying more of your recipes! Thanks!
Wanting to make tomorrow night! Like flavor and spice, but not a lot of heat. Should I make adjustments?
I don’t find these spicy, but a lot will depend on the brand of chili powder you use.
Easy, super flavorful and the leftovers make a delicious “taco” salad the next day.
Could I use shredded chicken instead of ground beef?
Could definitely try!
Hi could you use El Pato, the tomato sauce in the yellow can , in place of regular tomato sauce in this recipe? Thanks so much!
Hi London – I haven’t ever used that, but if it’s similar to the tomato sauce in the pasta/tomato canned goods aisle, I’m sure it would work fine!
Ok!!! I have to be totally honest!!!! I’m not buying anymore taco seasoning ever again!!! This is so much better and I know exactly what goes in it and what we’re eating. Just made it last week and my boyfriend is asking for me to make it again this week. FYI. That’s never happened! Thank you for a fabulous easy yummy recipe!!!
Really good! I added some dried oregano. I sautéed the onions and jalapeño in about a TBSp of oil. Then cooked herbs (with big dash I’d oregano) and garlic to bring out flavors of herbs just before adding the beef. I used Costco ground organic beef. Finally added the tomato sauce. Totally make again. Everyone loved
These were great! I added 2 large bell peppers to the meat to get in some extra veggies with no complaints.
A gallon of milk a day?? Wow I can’t imagine feeding your family. I have two little boys and few like I’m constantly making them food but I can’t complain. So you must double or triple this taco recipe or any recipe you make that feed your family? I would be interested to hear how you grocery shop for your big family.
Love this recipe! Loathed tacos growing up (nasty seasoning packet) so took a while to try yours (silly me) and now entire family cheers when we are having this! Made again last night and was SO great to have a meal so quick that everyone adores! Thank you Mel!
The beef version of these tacos has quickly become a family favorite! So easy for a weeknight meal yet very flavorful. We love to eat tacos the first night and make quesadillas with the leftovers. Thank you for a great recipe!
Not sure homemade is best way to describe… it was slightly bland .. I suggest when using turkey to use both dried and fresh seasonings to boost flavor and also never call homemade when it is actually home assembled…
Pretentious – attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
Couldn’t agree more, Jeff.
Maybe you should use better quality spices. I recommend Morton & Bassett. Out of curiosity, what would you consider “home made” taco filling?
Perhaps she has a herd of cattle in her backyard, a vegetable and herb garden, and dehydrator so she can get the perfect blend of dried and fresh.
I love this recipe. My favorite thing to do is brush pita bread with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toast in a pan using the taco meat as filling. Also stuffing them with lettuce, sharp cheddar and diced tomatoes with a dollop of sour cream. If I have time I make a simple lime crema mixing lime zest, lime juice and salt into the sour cream. Its divine and simple to make after working all day.
So good! And so perfect for those of us who can’t/don’t want to get their hands on taco mix packages. Made this into a salad with the Mexican rice recipe as a base and they tasted so good together!
Best. Tacos. Ever.
Seriously!!!!
This recipe is so good! So much better than a taco packet. We adjusted the recipe slightly by adding extra meat, the stem ends of cilantro, and beans. We replaced salt with Tony Chachere’s, and jalapenos with crushed red pepper. We will probably also add some corn the next time we make it. Another amazing recipe to add to my arsenal!
Best quick taco meat we’ve had. We used ground turkey. I added a couple tablespoons of water with the tomatoe sauce because there didn’t seem to be enough liquid to simmer for ten minutes.
Recommendations for taco shells? Whenever I buy crunchy ones they seem stale.
I usually just snag ones from my grocery store but I always heat them in the oven and try to use them right away (I agree, they get a little stale once they’ve cooled)
Delicious! We used half beef and half turkey. Super flavorful and tasty. I used the meat in taco salad! Highly recommend!
Hi, Mel. I’ve made many of your recipes. Many. And loved many of your recipes. But my 17 year old son LOVES this taco recipe. He’s in Iceland with his father. He texted me, from Iceland, and asked me if I could have these tacos ready when he comes home. I assured him I would. Thanks so much!
This made my day! Thanks, Linda!
Really the best taco meat!!
You must double or triple this. My husband, son and I could polish this off almost instantly.
Omg really good! Made with turkey, hi Dad you know a bit more salt but overall the recipe was really good I personally love my tacos were really spicy so I added some cayenne pepper to the recipe as well and that is what really made this stellar great job for getting out the recipe to us and I can’t wait to meet this again
Can I cook this in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker? Has anyone tried that? LEt me know.
Thank you.
Brown the meat and onion, then place in slow cooker on low 6-7 ot high for 2-3 hours
Hi Mel – can’t wait to try these tacos! Recently, I saw a recipe that suggested adding about a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the ground beef a few minutes before browning – I tried it and it really makes the meat’s texture much more tender – I use the tip all the time now! Works well with beef, turkey and chicken – have you ever tried it?
I haven’t, but that sounds interesting!
I’ve read about using baking soda in ground beef recipes in cook’s illustrated. It has something to do with helping it retain moisture.
2 teaspoons ground coriander in tacos yuck.
Tomatoes sauce in tacos yuck yuck.
Leave them out
Not tacos more like tackos
Are you for real? How bout you try them before rudely commenting.
I will never understand a person leaving a rude comment about a recipe that has been tested and is being generously shared — FREE OF CHARGE — to anyone who is interested. If it doesn’t appeal to you, just quietly move on to something else. Does being deliberately mean make you feel better about yourself?
There always has to be one. Sound like a kid.
They’re delicious- just making them the second time in a week. As people say- try them, leave helpful comments or move on but this is just rude.
Amazing as always, used turkey and it was a smashing success!!! Thanks…this is my go to from now on
Funny, I was just looking for this recipe two nights ago and the link was broken. I actually went to the internet wayback machine to find a cached version. Glad it’s back, they are tasty!
Do you double or triple the recipe for larger meat quanties. Like 3lbs. Should i triple it
Yes, I double or triple all ingredients if I do the same for the meat.
It looks like I wasn’t the only one wondering what was going on last night when I was trying to find this recipe for Taco Tuesday. And I laughed when one of the other commenters had the same name as me. I guess we share more than a name, our love for Mel’s taco recipe on Tuesdays.
Sorry Carrolee! (so funny about your name twin commenting)
LOVE this recipe!! It’s my go-to for any taco-ish recipe. I also use the seasoning measurements for any recipe that calls for a packet of seasoning!! Thanks, Mel, for making it so easy to use less processed/high-sodium packages!!
Also, the quesadillas sound so fun!!! I’ll definitely have to try that!!
I hadn’t made ground beef tacos for years until I tried these. Now we make them about every other week. We love the flavor of the beef, and it’s so quick and easy it is to make, which is a huge bonus when I forget to start dinner on time.
Yes!!! I’ve been making these since you posted them on your old website back in 2008. In fact this was the first recipe I tried of yours. I have never made another taco meat and I’ve given your recipe out so many times because they are that good! We just had tacos Sunday night. I’m so happy you’ve updated the recipe so I can easily send the link to my friends. My son who is the pickiest eater will even eat this taco meat!
So happy to hear this, Sara!
Mel, I use tons of your recipes but don’t comment often (you have plenty to read through!!!) but I have to laugh… I was making tacos yesterday for dinner and was completely confused and lost when I couldn’t get to your taco recipe on here… I had to wing it and estimate the amount of spices (not too hard based on how many times I’ve made this, but I like accuracy and cooking by recipes too much, I’m afraid!) So it was good for me to have to loosen up and they came out great, but I’m still glad to see this back here for reference and passing on to others! Also I no longer think I or you are crazy, I was searching and re-searching the site going, “but WHY would she take away the taco recipe!? It must be here!”
Yikes, sorry, Cara! The recipe was offline for a few hours while I updated it. Glad your tacos still came out fantastic! 🙂
This is a GREAT recipe. It makes an appearance monthly at my house!
Well, you’ve helped me decide on tomorrow’s supper. YUM! I love tacos!
Tacos were already on the menu tonight. I’m going to try this version and save the store bought taco seasoning for when my husband makes dinner.
We make these all the time!! Love them!!
Hooray! I almost had a heart attack last night when I couldn’t find this recipe on my fave website! And this morning I find an updated version! Made. My. Day. I am planning on making tacos for a crowd this weekend. Do you have any thoughts on how to keep soft tortillas warm in a buffet line? And any other taco-serving-to-a-crowd wisdom you wish to share? Oh, and I’m sorry for the frantic email I sent you last night… =) Thanks again, for helping rescue our family from dinner boredom and from processed food cooking! Our eating has totally revolutionized since my sister, Cathy, directed me to your site!
Sorry about that Carolee! The recipe was offline for a few hours while I was updating it. My friend, Mercedes, from Mexico, always warms her tortillas (corn and flour) up in a gallon-size ziploc bag (opened) in the microwave. Keeps them soft without drying them out. And then she wraps them in foil – not fancy, but you could serve them like that! Good luck!
I love this Taco Recipe and your homemade taco seasoning recipe… they both appear regularly at my house. I love being in the “Gallon plus” of milk a day club .. I have been in it for many years and the conversations at the grocery check out line when I weekly load up my cart with 8-9 gallons of milk are the thing I like best about going to the grocery store… worth even skipping self check out for. Welcome to the “Gallon a day club” It’s expensive, but totally worth the ride!!
🙂
This is one of the first recipes I tried from your website and I’m still making it often 5+ years later. I double it and freeze half for those days when I don’t even have 20 minutes to make dinner. I can have dinner ready in 10 minutes that way!
looks good
Mel, I am a friend of your Aunt Laurie’s. I am just wondering if you know what was hurting the tummies out of the Taco Seasoning Packet? It would be helpful to know! Thanks.
Hi Cami – to be honest, I’m not entirely sure. It’s been so long since we’ve used the taco seasoning packets that I haven’t really analyzed the ingredients. I don’t know if it was the combination of spices or something else. Sorry I’m not more helpful!
My husband doesn’t like the MSG’s in store bought taco seasoning packets. They also often contain wheat, which some people are sensitive to! We absolutely adore Mel’s homemade seasoning. And it tastes so much better!
this was very good – thank you 🙂
I used a serrano pepper (wow).
I use this recipe all. the. time. It is wonderfull! I made it for my mom (who has cooked for years but has always used seasoning packets for tacos) and she couldn’t believe the flavor! My husband loves it too. This is a serious winner! Thanks so much!!!
Will never go back to pre-packaged seasoning after this! I have been making this recipie for my family for about six months now and it never fails to impress. Kids love it and so does my husband. I love it because the flavor is all there without pre-packaged ingredients.
I tried these on a whim a few months back, but made burritos out of the mixture instead of tacos.
My roommates keep demanding I make them and it’s been a 2-3 times a month type of deal since then.
I find it’s also quite good with a bit of curtido to use as filling as well.
Cheers for the recipe.
Hi Mel, I’m making these tonight for dinner using ground turkey. Quick question – the recipe says serves 4-6. What do you count as a serving? Enough meat for 2 tacos? Thank you!
I don’t know how many tacos specifically – but this recipe feeds my family of 7 (five kids and two adults). It kind of depends on how much meat goes in each taco shell but there’s probably enough for 12 average-sized tacos.
Excellent recipe. My husband and I really loved it. When I was making it, it seemed like a lot of seasoning and I was worried it would be too strong tasting, but it wasn’t at all. It’s a keeper. Thank you!
I just made this recipe for dinner last night. Best tacos to ever come out of my kitchen. Definitely my go-to taco recipe!
This “seasoned” beef recipe instead of a salty mess of a packet is just want I wanted due to low sodium restrictions. Thanks for the great recipe, Mel!
I’ve been making tacos for years and always wonder why they’re never as tasty as I think they should be. Then I tried this recipe – and it was a hit! Even my picky 3 and 5 yr old couldn’t get enough. That is the best kind of success. Wish I had tried this recipe sooner but it’s definitely in the regular round-up now. Thanks for all the fantastic recipes!
This taco meat is amazing! Thank you for the recipe!
Mel, Do you sell T shirts ?
Nope, sorry. 🙂
You should! I would totally buy one.
I tried this recipe out last week and it was an absolute hit! The beef mixture was so flavorful 🙂 I did tacos for dinner and used the filling to make a salad for work! I added black beans to the mixture which made it even more filling. Thanks for a great recipe! 🙂
This is a great recipe, I make it all of the time. It takes 15-20 minutes, great for a week night. Thanks for a recipe that’s become one of my favorites!
We have been trying your cookie recipes (lemon bars tomorrow) and now I want to make your tacos. My favorite recipe is: http://love2cooksweets.blogspot.com/2010/04/whole-grains-for-busy-people-tacos.html
Thanks so much for having such a wonderful site. It is so fun to share recipes with a kindred cook.
These were awesome! And so easy. My daughter doesn’t do tacos so I had her help me make a quesadilla with the meat. Thanks for another great meal!
So I know you posted this like 6 or 7 years ago but I don’t care about leaving comments on old posts. This recipe is new to me so whateves. I was on a long taco strike because sooooo many taco recipes are gross. I tried this one on whim. “The best you say? Ok I’ll try it”…and it changed our dinners forever. We now eat tacos all the time. I made them for my sister last Friday and she called me yesterday while at the grocery store requesting the recipe because she said “Those tacos where life changing”. You weren’t kidding, they are the BEST ground beef tacos. Thanks for a stellar recipe!
Hello Mel!
I stumbled upon your site when searching ‘best taco recipe’ on the web, so glad I did! I am a newbie in the kitchen and this was amazingly delicious and easy. I am beyond excited to start making all of your recipes! I want to thank you for such a great website and user friendly recipes. You make it easy to follow from start to finish, not to mention how great the kitchen tips page is for a new cook!
Thanks again 🙂
Thanks, Aubree! I hope you love any other recipes you try!
Hey Mel thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I am a vegetarian and I used to use the packaged sauce mix (the wet kind and dry) and I hated all of the weird ingredients and one even had anchovies in it. I love that it is made with stuff I always have on hand and is so easy and cheap to make! I just used some Morningstar Farms crumbs in place of the meat. My husband loves how spicy it is too. Thanks again.
I think ground beef tacos are an awesome thing..its a nyc thing to start your day with..doing breakfast..you can check this out for a good recipe..Ground Beef Tacos
You MUST buy the cumin and coriander as whole seeds and toast and grind yourself. This makes a world of difference.
This is a pretty good recipe, definitely one of the best I’ve come across. Changes I made:
-6oz of tomato paste (standard can size) instead of 8oz. Made it with both amounts and tasted pretty much the same regardless
-Paleo friendly: coconut oil instead of canola oil, and in place of corn/flour shells, create wraps out of bibb lettuce or another large leafed green.
-I ground the cumin/coriander from whole seeds. Much more flavor over pre-ground
-1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes, if you like spicy tacos.
Just FYI, the recipe calls for 8 oz tomato SAUCE not paste. That is the size of a small can. That would be a weird amount for paste though!
i use this recipe every time. i used to buy the package stuff; not any more. i was never completely satisfied with their taste. not so with this recipe. sooo glad i found it. thx
Hi!
Wow this was a hit! Wow now I love tacos more! My bf enjoyed it we couldn’t stop eating hahah!
Kudos to you!
S
Googled taco recipe ground beef and this came up. Noticed its 6 years to the day. You’re obviously doing something right. Thanks for the recipe. Melanese
First ever comment, but had to do this. Made this last night for tacos with a few modifications (salsa instead of tomato sauce, bit of extra spices, and it was great. We had a fair bit of left-overs, so this morning I threw in a cup of salsa, the left-over tomatoes & sliced mushrooms, a cup of beef broth & 2 cups of cooked rice. Slow cooker on low for 6 hours and voila! a wonderful chili needing only a good buttermilk cornbread for a quick, delicious dinner. Thank you for the great recipe!!
We just had these tacos for dinner tonight. Everyone loved them, they were the perfect spice combo. The only changes I made was to skip the oil and onion, I just tossed dehydrated onions into my hamburger as it browned and I swapped out the jalapenos for a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat. YUM
I made this with guacamole and layered it with sour cream and it was delish! Could not have enough. Is it okay if I link this page and post the recipe on my blog?
Thuy – Sure, as long as you include a full, clearly viewable link back to the recipe, which it sounds like you are doing. Thank you for asking permission. I am glad you liked it.
This is really really tasty and so so simple! I normally swear by Lawry’s but I think I’m officially done! Great recipe 🙂
This is the best beef taco recipe I’ve ever made. Thank you Mel! I use at least one of your recipes every week!
I made this last night and my kids gobbled it up! I’ve been avoiding the packets of seasoning in favor of making my own however mine lacked the ground coriander which in my opinion really makes this recipe shine. I’ve already made up a batch of the dry ingredients to keep on hand for different uses. I made up a marinade of the spice mix with oil and lime juice, rubbed over chicken to grill. I intend to use it on the chopped taco salad in place of ground meat.
great simple recipe. if the flavor is a bit flat, try addind a teaspoon or two soft brown sugar to add body. let it cook out for another 5min after adding. you wont be dissapointed
Great recipe. Instant hit with my hubby. Definitely a new favorite for us!
To make chicken faihtas used all your spices except for the tomato sauce. And it turned out awesome.
Yum. i always try to avoid processed foods and packets of anything. I know people have been making tacos for years before everything went convenience, I’ve been trying to perfect my own formula. Luckily for me, you have already done it. Delicious. I used ground chicken breast in my recipe.
This was so yummy!! I’ll never use taco seasoning again!!
Tonight will be my first attempt at this recipe. I’m very excited!! I have made tacos with and without packaged seasoning and I have to admit my family has not ever experienced any issues but I love the idea of just using what is already in my pantry and knowing exactly what is going in our food.
Have made these several times. Delicious!! This is a new favorite go-to recipe. Thanks, Mel!!
Yum! I began making my own taco seasoning years ago… the packaged mixes were making me sick in the middle of the night, fighting for air. Making this tonight, it is similar but much simpler. TY for posting it.
Mel,
I made this taco meat tonight, and loved it. I didn’t have a jalapeno on hand so I used some canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. I also had to add a wee bit of water (like a scant tablespoon) to thin the meat mixture out a bit. I will be making it again for sure!
–Michelle Jones
Just browsing through and found your recipe sounds like a good one. I have one question what if i wanted to double the meat do i double the ingredients as well?
Levi – yes, double all the ingredients for double the meat.
AWESOME!! I cook these at least once a week! Thank you!!
I love this recipe! I always use it now when I make tacos. Thanks for posting.
I really love this taco recipe. This past week I made them yet again, using ground turkey, no jalapeno (my husband doesn’t do spicy and I just don’t like cutting them), and a cocoa chili powder. It was fabulous and I enjoyed the leftovers all week!
I’ll be honest. I love the taco seasoning packets! But I’ve loved all your recipes that I’ve tried so I want to try this really soon!
I am sitting here waiting for these 10 minutes to go by so my family and I can dig in! The whole house smells delicious…Can’t wait! 🙂
Love your website and these tacos are outrageously simple and good. Just wanted to suggest a can of rotel diced tomatoes with lime and cilantro as an alternative to tomato sauce and jalapeño. Thanks for another great recipe!!
This is a really good recipe, I also used the package taco mix, and your recipe is so good. thanks for your site 🙂
I made these last night after finding them on Pinterest and they really are amazing. Ya know that slightly “off” taste that the packaged taco seasonings have? Not here. Tastes like restaurant quality taco meat. I used ground turkey and an extra jalapeno (we like things spicy), but kept everything else the same. My husband was very impressed which is saying a lot for a guy who normally drowns everything he eats in hot sauce. This was tasty enough on it’s own and he went back for seconds (OK, I did too).
I tried this recipe tonight and it was a hit with my family!!! They loved it and asked me to make it again! I was looking for a recipe online and I went over several before I picked this one. This one was just what I was looking for…delicious and very easy to make. I put less chili powder since my son who is 11 years old doesn’t like anything that’s hot.
Thank you again for such a wonderful recipe!
made this tonight… amazing! I did not have a can of tomato sauce though, and only a tablespoon or so of tomato paste… I added an equal amount of water to that, and then a little bit more water, and then some ketchup (maybe a tablespoon) to get it just moist enough. It was so good! The ketchup gave it a touch of sweetness. I did add a bit more salt as well. Love the spices!
Perfect. I’ve triedmany, many home made taco recioes, including Cook’s Illustrated “Best” recipe, but none of them were quite right. This hit the mark. I used 8 oz. picante sauce instead of tomato sauce though, and added 2 TB’s of tomato paste. THANK YOU so much!
This is our new taco recipe. We added a can of beans and it was great!
Hi Mel, I just made these for me and my housemate and they were delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe, I’ll be using it again 🙂
Thank you so much Mel my family loves it…They want me to cook it again to our grand home party this Nov.
Jessica – I guess I’m a little confused about what you want to use the marinara sauce for. Are you wanting to make spaghetti sauce or are you wanting to sub it in for the tomato sauce? I’ve never subbed anything for the tomato sauce (I just use the kind in the cans found by the diced tomatoes).
Hey I have a question. I have all the ingredients for the tacos, but I have a jar of Bertolli sauce. Do you think that would work? It is the red kind not alfredo.
I was searching the web for the best ever ground beef taco recipe, and found your site. I am so glad that I did!! I love beef tacos, but the boxed kinds were tough on my husband’s belly too.
I tried it out tonight, and it was perfect!!! Everyone loved it!! The flavors just don’t compare to pre-mixed brands….this recipe is easy to make and a sure hit 🙂
Thanks so much…I can’t wait to try out other recipes here!
Since I never have jalapeños on hand I frequently sub the canned diced green chilis.
Bobbe – add it right when it indicates in the second paragraph of the directions (with the jalapeno).
So. . .when do you add the tomato sauce?
Just have to say we love this recipe. One of my girls Jose this for birthday dinner because it was “SO good, mommy”. It’s my go-to when I need something quick and delicious. Thank you!!!
This is way better than the packet, thanks for the recipe :0)
I’ve made these probably 6 times in the past couple months and they are spectacular every time!! Thanks so much for posting the recipe; I never would have thought to add tomato sauce to my tacos and I stopped using those disgusting packets years ago — too much MSG, chemicals and garbage in them anyway. These are absolutely delicious! I do add some cayenne pepper for a kick… just fantastic! Thanks again
These tacos are the best! Well seasoned the right amount of GB to go inside the hard shell…..ummmmmmmmmmm……mhhmmmmmmmmmmmm DELICIO’S
Made these for dinner tonight and they were sooooo good. I will never buy the packaged taco seaoning again!!!!
Another great recipe! I omitted the pepper in the end because I didn’t want hubby to have to sweat it out. Everything else was perfect!
These tacos are absolutely amazing! I did add jalapenos but left out the onions. I’m new to cooking, and these tacos were fun and easy to make! So thankful to have stumbled across this site! Excited to try your other recipes. Thanks for sharing, Mel!
I just tried this recipe for our taco night dinner tonight and it is just fantastic. It is now my go to recipe! I just trashed my last 2 prepackaged taco mixes. Thank you for another great / fast recipe.
This was so easy and so awesome! I would say it maybe takes 5 more minutes than using the mix and it’s way worth it. I used ground turkey and it was so good, I don’t even feel the need to try ground beef. Thanks!
Made it as per specifications and the boys LOVED it. They kept eating till the meat was gone! I did put in a scotch bonnet 😀 so the kick was substantial!
I love this recipe so much. I believe it was the second recipe I tried from your site. We make it often. I add 1 can of kidney beans and 1 cup of the Costco organic frozen sweet corn. I have fallen in love with jalapeños since finding your site. They really add so much to all the recipes I’ve tried with jalapeños. We actually usually eat these as burritos instead of tacos. I use the raw tortillas from Costco that you dry fry. I think this is one of my favorite meals we make (there are many). My biggest question for you is have you tried making homemade tortillas? I would love to start making my own so I could use a different oil other than the canola that are in the costco ones (or I would use organic canola). Anyway, we love this meal like so many of your others!
I’m glad I found this site. I NEVER use the prepared prepackaged taco seasoning. I prefer to use my own ‘blend’, which includes chopped onions and fresh garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin. I love the idea of making my own tortilla bowls, too. Little ones love the idea of eating the bowl. Mexican dishes are a favorite in my family, including our own Mexican casseroles and Mexican lasagna (or stuffed shells, depending on what I have on hand).
Silly question. Do you drain your meat/onion mixture? I usually do when making tacos and spaghetti sauce, but I know a lot of recipes do not have this as an instruction.
Thanks!!
Hi Stacy – that is definitely not a silly question! I actually need to edit the recipe, because, yes, I do drain my meat/onion mixture if I am not using extremely lean ground beef.
Hey there! I tried another one of your wonderful recipes! This one was so good. Very easy and with home ingredients on hand. I love the seasonings. In the past I bought the taco mix envelope seasonings but this is so much better! Thanks for this recipe!
Sorry – I forgot to add this — I didn’t have coriander, so I threw in a little paprika and I omitted the jalepeno since my kids aren’t too keen on spicy. Wonderful recipe!
Another great recipe! I am slowly cooking my way through your Best Recipes List and I have found another keeper. I thought the tomato sauce would be too overpowering, but it was a nice flavor and made the meat nice and juicy. My kids loved these and I will go to this recipe for our next taco night! Thanks!
I make killer tacos, and I have never used seasonings:
fry ground round with finely diced white onion, salt and pepper.
chop up lettice, add diced green onion, both white and green parts, toss.
remove the skin from tomatoes and dice.
add your favorite salsa, mine is pace picante, top with parmesan cheese.
the key is the taco shell: first, soften the tortillas wrapped, in the microwave. Heat a large frying pan, and add a heaping tablespoon of Crisco solid (Yes, Crisco, it crisps the tortillas up fast with nice bubbles of blisters while leaving the insides soft – fold the tortillas and use tongs, cooking just a few seconds on each side – you can do three at a time – remove each batch to a plate covered with paper towels, and put a dish towel over the top. Add Crisco as needed, per batch. I hope you try this, somehow you can eat and eat and not get full – my husband puts 9 away!
Hope have your own blog by now. I think you should post your recipe there.
Thank you thank you thank you!
I had boughten a big huge taco seasoning tub at Sams Club and I don’t know if it is the humidity here or what, but last time I made tacos with it they turned out horrible! My nose now turns up at the thought of any packaged taco seasonings, and I figured knowing you there would probably be a recipe on your blog and here it was. These turned out so great! I didn’t add the jalapeno just for my kids sake, and I also didn’t have any coriander so I substituted parsley instead. (good ol’ google search for substitutes) They turned out wonderful- I will definitely be using this from now on
Nicole – glad that this taco recipe easily replaced the prepackaged taco seasoning!
Made these a few weeks ago and now they are a staple. I need to pull out my Joy of Cooking book more often! Thanks!
Thanks, Lauren!
Made these a while back and loved them. Making them for dinner again tonight!! For a bit of spice and oh-so-yummy-goodness, we added some pickled jalapenos on top.
I like the fact that these are completely from scratch and you know what exactly is going into your body! I felt much better about feeding these to my kids than from the spice bag, and they are so much tastier IMHO.
I have not had Tacos for years. Thanks for the reminder, will have to try your recipe very soon.
I made this a few days ago and loved it. I will never buy packaged taco seasoning again! This is so easy, and TASTY! We ran out of taco shells and had extra meat, so we baked some tortillas in the oven, and made tostadas. I have a feeling I will be making these again and again!
Thanks, Kimiko!
Made this last night and I have to agree that the seasoning was far better than packaged taco seasoning. It also turned out better than the way I usually make my tacos. I plan to play around with the seasoning to suit our preferences but this is definitely my new “go-to” recipe for tacos!!! Thanks so much!
Thanks, Kina!
YUM!!! made this last night and it is WAY better tasting than packaged stuff..This will be my ONLY taco meat from now on..
Glad you liked it, Diana!
I love enjoy looking at your web site and have loved everything I have tried, which is amazing and almost unbelievable. Anyway. I am becoming a good cook and have outgrown Better Homes and Garden. Can you tell me more about The JOY of Cooking?
Hi Crystalyn – I would definitely recommend the Joy of Cooking to anyone who is semi-serious in the kitchen. It has recipes from beginner to extremely advance and many of the more intense recipes include simple drawings/illustrations. It is definitely a must-have. It has a section for everything – all the main categories plus a buffet section and other unique sections.
This has become my go-to taco meat recipe. It is so, so flavorful. We really like it with half meat and half beans (black or pinto). Sometimes if I have a crazy afternoon, I make it in the morning and stick it in the crock pot for the day. It really adds to the flavor.
Thanks for introducing me to packet-free tacos (see, you’re not the last one)!
Danielle – I’m glad this has become your go-to taco meat recipe (it is mine, too). I love the addition of beans!
3 yr old girl: “Mom! This is YUM!”
4 yr old boy: “Mom, this is REALLY YUM! Thanks for dinner, Mom.”
In other words, this is a hit. Both of those comments were made after just one bite.
Alicia – GREAT compliments from the kiddos. I hope they think you are the best mom in the world.
I just made this last night and it was AMAZING!! I also made your Balsamic Black Bean Salsa which was just perfect. Thanks for the great recipes! BTW- I’m starting a “best recipes from other blogs” section on my blog- these will go in there!
Double Dipped Life – glad you liked these! Thanks for adding them to your Best Recipes section!
Thanks for a great quick taco seasoning. This was so yummy and I had all the seasoning in the cabinet. It was a HUGE hit!
Thanks, Sonya – I’m so glad you liked this version of homemade tacos!
Love that idea Deborah! (I may mix some of this up and keep it in a little spice container in my spice drawer) OH I LOVE GOOD IDEAS!! Yay!!!
Mel ~ yum, yum, yum. This is delicious and tasts so much more ‘natural’ than the packages, if that makes sense. I one time started to make tacos and when I went to grab the package of seasoning, realized I didn’t have one…so I spiced the meat up (made it up as I went along) and it was really good but I totally forgot what I used besides chili powder, so I’m so glad to have found this recipe. This is awesome. (I didn’t add the tomato sauce cuz I was using it for taco salad…you know the whole ‘tortilla bowl I just finished raving about?) so I wanted a dry meat. Delicious. I will add the tomato sauce next time if I can convince myself to eat a taco and not HAVE to have it in a bowl instead 🙂 🙂
mia – I like the natural taste of this spice mixture, too. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with preferring your tacos in a bowl!
I found a seasoning recipe online awhile ago, and I always have some made up in a jar that I keep with my spices. We never like the whole packet of taco seasoning, and I got tired of having half empty packages in the cabinet. The homemade one is better, and easier because it’s just in a jar! I’ll have to try this recipe because it sounds wonderful!
I’m glad you discovered that you don’t have to use package seasoning! They’re so much better when it’s homemade 🙂
Hi!>>My name is Natalie, and I found your blog a little while ago, and I have been a HUGE fan ever since! The recipes you make always sound so delicious, and very do-able at the same time. I have four young kids and a husband who loves to eat good food. But I’m really not a great cook. However, your blog gives me hope that I can be. I especially appreciate that you leave your own practical tips for your recipes. I made the German Chocolate brownies. SO good! I hope you don’t mind if I link you on my blog. Everytime your blog is updated, I get so excited to see what you’re cooking next!
Thanks everyone for commenting. It looks like I’m officially the last person on the planet to try a homemade taco meat/seasoning! You are all in trouble for not informing me of the benefits earlier. 🙂>>Sarah, I whole-heartedly support you making the Joy of Cooking your next person. It is so worth it.>>Natalie – what a sweet comment! Thank you. You made my day. I commented on your blog, too!
I haven’t made taco’s in a long while because of those nasty taco seasoning packets. I will definitely have to try these, because I miss tacos…. Thanks!
Tacos has no apostrophe…just sayin’.
I am always surprised at myself that I don’t own “The Joy of Cooking”. I really have to make this my next purchase.>There is nothing like homemade seasonings instead of the packets. I found this out with an amazing batch of chili one day and the next time I made tacos hunted down a recipe as well. I will never go back to the packages.
the taco seasoning packets are pretty foul. plus, i don’t think they ever contain coriander, which i agree is a delicious component. all hail <>joy of baking<>. 🙂
This sounds really good! Our daughter’s fave food is tacos and I always only use about 1/2 the pack of seasoning because I too think it’s too strong and ick. I will definitely try this out though! 🙂
Looks great! Taco night is the best night~!