Speedy Gonzales Easy Ground Beef Tacos Ole

Speedy Gonzales Easy Ground Beef Tacos Ole

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a quick, flavour-packed dinner? These easy ground beef tacos are seriously good. They taste amazing and save you from standing in the kitchen for hours.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good taco?
Brief Overview
Tacos are classic Tex-Mex. They are loved worldwide for their simplicity and adaptability. This ground beef taco recipe easy is ready in about 30 minutes.
It makes 6 delicious tacos, perfect for a family weeknight taco dinner .
Main Benefits
These quick beef tacos are a nutritional win. They are packed with protein. Plus, they are ideal for a casual get-together.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the homemade taco seasoning that takes it to the next level.
Making the Magic Happen: Ingredients
To make these simple ground beef tacos , you will need a few key ingredients. Don’t worry, they are easy to find.
Let’s get started and make the best ground beef taco meat you will ever taste.
Equipment You'll Need
For this recipe, you'll require a large skillet or frying pan. Don't forget a spatula. Also, you will require a chopping board and knife. Optional taco holders make the experience even better.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Ground Beef Tacos
So, fancy whipping up some killer quick beef tacos ? Good. Let's get prepped. Before we start making these simple ground beef tacos , let's run through what you'll need.
This recipe is built for minimal fuss. We are talking 30 minute tacos people.
Main Players
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . Get the good stuff, 80/20 blend, trust me it has the best flavour.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow , chopped fine.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced nice and small.
- Chili Powder: 1 tbsp . For that essential Tex-Mex tacos kick.
- Cumin: 1 tsp .
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp .
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 tsp .
- Onion Powder: 1/4 tsp .
- Dried Oregano: 1/4 tsp .
- Salt & Pepper: 1/4 tsp each, or to taste, obvs.
- Water (or Beef Broth): 1/2 cup (120ml) . This is the secret to juicy ground beef tacos with water .
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp .
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp .
You can buy it, but making a homemade taco seasoning is where the magic happens. Honestly, once you start making your own taco seasoning, there's no going back. It's so easy.
Seasoning Notes for Your Ground Beef Taco Recipe Easy
Chili powder and cumin are like Batman and Robin here. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do, but that smokiness brings the best ground beef taco meat to life.
For a bit of a flavour boost, try a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Running low on chili powder? No problem, a store-bought taco seasoning will fit right in its place (2-3 tablespoons should do it!).
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet: A good skillet makes all the difference.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For breaking up that beef.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Safety first folks.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: Let's try to be precise.
- Taco Holders: Optional , but they make life easier. Honestly, taco holders are a game-changer. They just stop everything spilling everywhere.
That's it! Nothing crazy. A decent pan and some basic tools are all you need for this weeknight taco dinner extravaganza.
Now, let's get cooking! Get ready for some truly awesome easy taco toppings .
Speedy Gonzales' Easy Ground Beef Tacos (Ole!)
Fancy some quick beef tacos tonight? These easy ground beef tacos are a total winner for a weeknight taco dinner .
Seriously, they're ready quicker than you can say "Arriba!". Packed with flavor thanks to my ridiculously simple homemade taco seasoning and piled high with your favorite bits, they're a Tex-Mex dream! In under 30 minute tacos you have a delicious dish on the table, and the best part? Everything is totally customizable.
Prep Steps: Taco Time Readiness!
First, get your mise en place sorted. That means chopping your onion and mincing your garlic. Honestly, having everything ready before you start cooking is a game-changer.
It really saves time and stops you from having that "Oh my gosh, I forgot the cumin!" moment mid-cook. The ground beef taco recipe easy ? Prep work!
Step-by-Step: Taco Domination
- Chop It: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Beef Up: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended) and chopped onion. Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Garlic Goodness: Add 2 minced cloves garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Spice Explosion: Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring.
- Simmer Down: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1/2 cup water or beef broth. Simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook 5- 7 minutes, or until thickened.
- Taco Time: Warm 6 taco shells (or soft tortillas).
- Load 'Em Up: Fill each shell with the best ground beef taco meat .
- Top It: Add your favourite easy taco toppings : shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, sour cream, salsa, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Pro Tips: Taco Ninja Status
Want to take your tacos to the next level? Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. This helps it brown properly, instead of steaming.
Also, always taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking for perfect simple ground beef tacos every time.
One common mistake? Overfilling the tacos! Nobody wants a taco explosion. For ground beef tacos with water , remember to simmer.
This makes a big difference.
Recipe Notes for Speedy Gonzales' Easy Ground Beef Tacos
Alright, let's talk about how to make these simple ground beef tacos even more awesome! These are more than just your average Tuesday night dinner; they're a passport to flavour town, baby.
Get Your Grub On: Serving Suggestions
Think presentation, yeah? No one wants a sad taco slung on a plate. Pile those Tex-Mex tacos high with all the good stuff.
A colourful platter with bowls of your easy taco toppings looks amazing.
Why not pair these quick beef tacos with some Mexican rice and refried beans? And honestly, a cheeky margarita on the side is never a bad shout.
Or crack open a cold Corona, just to keep it authentic, innit?
Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No worries! The best ground beef taco meat can be stored. Let the meat cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fancy making a big batch? You can freeze the cooked ground beef for up to 2 months. Just defrost it thoroughly before reheating.
A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the hob works a treat for reheating.
Shake It Up: Variations
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! Want to go low-carb? Ditch the taco shell. Serve the ground beef in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Vegetarian? Swap out the beef for black beans or lentils. Works a charm. You can even adapt your homemade taco seasoning if you are doing a low sodium diet.
Knowledge is Power: Nutrition Basics
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. These easy ground beef tacos are a decent source of protein, thanks to the beef.
They also provide some carbs and fats. Adding loads of cheese and sour cream may make it less healthy.
It's an easy way to get your protein in! This weeknight taco dinner will be a family favorite.
So there you have it. Everything you need to make your 30 minute tacos utterly fantastic. Get creative, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy! And trust me, once you master this ground beef taco recipe easy , you'll be making them every week.
Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prevent my easy ground beef tacos from being greasy?
No one wants a soggy taco! The key is to use ground beef with a slightly lower fat content (like 85/15), and make sure you properly drain off any excess grease after browning. You can also rinse the browned beef in a colander with hot water to remove even more fat, but be aware that this might slightly affect the flavour – a small price to pay, perhaps, for less grease!
Can I make these easy ground beef tacos ahead of time?
Absolutely! The ground beef filling can be made a day or two in advance. Just cook it according to the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to assemble your tacos, simply reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave until heated through, like you're preparing for a brilliant "ready steady cook" victory!
What are some topping variations for these Speedy Gonzales' Easy Ground Beef Tacos (Ole!)?
The possibilities are endless! Beyond the usual lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream, consider adding some zing with pickled onions, a fresh corn salsa, or some spicy guacamole. A dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream can also be a healthier twist, and don't be shy to throw on some black olives or even some grilled pineapple if you're feeling adventurous!
How can I make these easy ground beef tacos spicier?
If you like a bit of a kick, there are several ways to crank up the heat! Start by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly to the ground beef mixture while it's simmering. You could also include some finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers in the filling. Finally, don't forget to offer a selection of spicy salsas and pickled peppers as toppings to let everyone customize their own level of heat!
Are these tacos healthy? What are the nutritional facts?
While undeniably tasty, the nutritional profile can vary wildly based on your choices. Using leaner ground beef or ground turkey will cut down on fat. Load up on veggies and go easy on the cheese and sour cream to keep the calories in check. One taco is estimated to have 400 calories, 25g protein, 25g fat and 20g carbs, but remember this is an estimate, so do some detective work with your ingredient labels!
Can I freeze the leftover ground beef taco filling?
Absolutely! Freezing leftover ground beef taco filling is a great way to reduce food waste. Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or microwave it until heated through – a perfect "bung it in the microwave" solution for a quick and easy meal!