Easy Ground Beef Tacos (2024)

Ground Beef Soft Tacos Recipe

Looking for an easy, healthy dinner that the entire family will love (yes, even the kids)? Look no further! This easy taco recipe is high in protein and ready in just 25 minutes. They’re great on their own or served alongside my 30-Minute Mexican Cauliflower Rice Recipe!

I am a SUCH taco-lover! I mean, who isn’t though? I love mixing it up like with my Kung Pao Shrimp Tacos with Jalapeño Sauce, but there is something so comforting about traditional Ground Beef Soft Tacos. I’ve added green bell pepper to the meat for some extra veggies (and it makes the meat go a little further). The seasoning mix has masa flour, or masa harina in it, a fine flour made from ground corn. It not only thickens the saucy taco meat, but it also adds a delicious flavor! The meat gets simmered in beef broth and then scooped into whole wheat tortillas and topped with your favorite toppings. You’ll love them!

Healthy Ground Beef Taco Ingredients

Homemade Taco Seasoning

• Masa Harina – Made from ground corn, the masa is a thickener for the seasoned ground beef mixture. It’s also full of flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend of your choice.
• Chili Powder – You can get creative here, using more for a little more spice, or using Chipotle Chili Powder for a more smokey flavor. Ancho Chili Powder is a little brighter and spicier in flavor and would be delicious, too!
• Garlic Powder – Or substitute with 1 Tablespoon of minced garlic.
• Paprika – Paprika adds a unique pepper taste without the heat. It’s also the source of the quintessential ground taco meat color. Switch it up by using Smoked Paprika instead for added smokiness.
• Cumin – Earthy and strong in flavor, cumin is a necessary and tasty addition to any taco meat!
• Dried Minced Onion – You can use the same amount of onion powder if that’s what you have on hand, I just love the added flavor and texture the minced onion gives.
• Salt
• Sugar (optional) – Just a pinch of sugar helps balance all the spice, but you can easily leave it out or substitute it with coconut sugar.

What You’ll Need for the Tacos

• Ground Beef – Lean ground beef has such a great flavor in these tacos, but you can use your favorite meat like ground chicken or ground turkey or even a plant-based protein like tofu crumbles or seitan.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas – I love the flavor and texture of whole wheat tortillas, but you can use whatever your favorite tortillas are for these tacos! The seasoning is gluten-free so you can make the entire meal gluten-free by using corn tortillas.
• Beef Broth – Simmering the meat in beef broth makes it so flavorful! If you don’t have any on hand, substitute with chicken or veggie broth, so simply use water instead.
• Green Bell Pepper – Diced and added to the meat while cooking, we add extra nutrients and flavor!
• Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Shredded Cheese, and Limes – These are just a few options for toppings, but check below for my big list of topping ideas!

How to Make the Best Ground Beef for Tacos

You guys, this taco seasoning is almost as easy to make as opening the packet an pour it in! And believe me, the flavor is worth it! Follow these steps to make the best ground beef tacos:

1. Whisk together all of the seasoning ingredients and set it to the side.
2. Cook the ground beef and bell pepper in the skillet until cooked through and brown.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning over the ground beef, stir it well, and then add the beef broth, stirring again.
4. Allow the meat to simmer over medium-low heat until the taco meat is thick and saucy.
5. Fill and top your tacos and enjoy!

The Best Tortillas for Ground Beef Tacos

Corn tortillas are excellent for ground beef tacos! They can be lightly toasted on the stovetop for that crispy texture we all love. Another option is small whole wheat tortillas for ground beef soft tacos. My personal favorite, though, are these Soft Corn Tortillas, which are a blend of corn and wheat flour for the perfect tortilla texture!

Big List of Taco Topping Ideas

Whether you’re serving tacos for a weeknight meal, or a crowd on the weekend, here are some fun topping ideas to try!

• Avocado or Guacamole
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
• Fresh Herbs – Cilantro, parsley, or chives
• Sauces – Cilantro Lime Sauce, hot sauces, 10-Minute Healthy Ranch Dressing
• Veggies – Shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, sliced fresh jalapeños, green onions, diced jicama, or radishes
• Pickled – Pickled jalapeños, red onions, radishes, and carrots
• Salsas – Pineapple salsa, The BEST Easy Salsa Recipe, or store-bought sauce of your choice.
• Crunch – Chili Onion crunch, crunchy onion bits, crushed tortilla chips, or toasted pepitas.

Other Ways to Use Mexican Ground Beef

The flavor of this easy ground beef for tacos is SO GOOD! You can use it for more than just tacos. Make a double batch, use half for your tacos one night and then keep the rest in the fridge to throw these quick options together throughout the week:

• Taco Salad – Add some veggies, and greens, and top it with this tasty Southwest Salad Dressing
• 10-Minute Protein Loaded Nachos – Swap out the chicken in this super quick recipe!
• Spicy Southwest Whole30 Stuffed Peppers – YUM! Just add the chopped spinach to the taco meat and follow the easy baking instructions.
• Quesadilla – Add a little taco meat, and shredded cheese, and cook the quesadilla on a griddle or skillet!

Storing Taco Ground Beef

Allow the meat to cool completely, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Store the tortillas and toppings separately to keep them fresh!

More Mexican-Inspired Healthy Meals

• 30-Minute Mexican Cauliflower Rice Recipe
• Chile Relleno Casserole
• Easy Mexican Barbacoa Tacos
• Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Low-Carb Mexican Meal Prep Bowls