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    Home » Recipes » Mexican

    Easy Skillet Ground Beef Tacos

    Published: Mar 21, 2022 · Modified: Jan 13, 2024 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe
    Two photos of beef tacos top photo is a glass jar filled with seasoning and bottom photo a skillet filled with beef topped with avocado, tomatoes, and cheese.

    One of the easiest recipes with the most delicious results is this yummy ground beef taco recipe. You will never go back to a box of seasoning and water again, trust me!

    Save the Recipe?

    Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox to view anytime. Plus the bonus of regular recipes to you for inspiration!

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Taco Seasoning:
    • Beef Taco Meat
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • Homemade beef tacos are ready in less than 30 minutes and no preservatives are added.
    • The beef tacos is made in a skillet and can make nachos, tacos, and quesadillas.

    Ingredients

    • homemade taco seasonings
    • or use the following spices: chili powder
    • ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
    • garlic powder
    •  smoked paprika
    • salt
    • ground black pepper
    • ground white pepper
    • cayenne pepper
    • olive oil
    • white onion
    • garlic
    • ground beef
    • fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles
    • Mexican blended cheese

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Skillet
    • Knives
    • Cutting Board
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

    Taco Seasoning:

    In a medium-sized bowl, stir and combine chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Transfer to an airtight container. Set aside.  

    Beef Taco Meat

    • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add diced onion and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and develops some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
    • To the skillet, add beef, cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Carefully drain and discard excess fat from skillet.
    • Add taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chilis to the skillet. Stir to combine. Saute, stir frequently until tomatoes are heated through and the beef mixture is thoroughly coated in the taco seasoning, approximately 2-3 minutes. Taste and if needed, add additional taco seasoning.
    • Remove the skillet from heat and top with shredded cheese. Cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
    • Serve immediately and garnish as desired.

    Storage

    Leftover beef can be kept in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Freezer Instructions:

    The beef taco meat freezes very well and is great for meal planning. Make a large batch and freeze the meat in one-pound freezer-safe bags. Make the bags as flat as possible for easy freezer storage.

    Expert Tips

    Expert Tip: Use lean meat and be sure to drain off and discard excess grease for flavorful results.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What ground beef is best for tacos?

    The best ground beef for tacos is best to use somewhere between 80 to 85 perfect fat ratio.

    Should the excess fat be drained before adding the taco seasoning?

    Fat adds flavor but for optimum flavor, drain off excess grease before adding the taco seasoning.

    My beef got a bit dry, how can I fix this issue?

    As you make the beef tacos, they cook quickly but if you find they are dry, add a bit of water or stock to ensure the meat is moist.

    What is the best way to drain grease or fat off the beef?

    Place paper towels in a colander over a large pot and place the ground beef in the paper towel lined colander. The grease will drain through into the large bowl and then discard the grease.

    Variations

    • Make these a one skillet meal by adding in black beans, corn, and tortilla strips. If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free tortilla strips or chips.
    • Use ground turkey or chicken, both would be delicious.
    • Use roasted tomatillo salsa for a nice salsa verde.
    • Depending on the season, leftover corn on the cob would be delicious added to the taco meat.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve with Pico de Gallo, a fresh tomato salsa.

    Homemade Guacamole is a delicious topping.

    Instant Pot Queso is a great cheesy dip that can be served alongside beef tacos.

    Similar recipes

    Mexican Shredded Beef is a big hit with everyone.

    Shredded Beef Tacos are delicious and another fun taco recipe.

    Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is quick and delicious.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is another winner of a soup recipe.

    I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

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    Eileen  xo

    If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

    If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    📖 Recipe

    A cast iron skillet with ground beef topped with avocado, tomatoes, and cheese.

    Skillet Beef Tacos

    Beef tacos, quick and easy tacos made with homemade taco seasoning for the most delicious seasoned ground beef taco meat the entire family will love. Serve as tacos, nachos, or quesadillas. Serve in lettuce wraps or tortillas.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print (Email Required) Rate
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    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: beef taco meat, beef taco skillet, taco skillet
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 347kcal
    Author: Eileen Murphy Kelly

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    • Cast Iron Skillet
    • Knives
    • Cutting Board
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups

    Ingredients

    Taco Seasoning

    • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
    • ¼ - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust depending on your spice level

    Beef Taco Ingredients

    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
    • salt and black pepper, to taste
    • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
    • 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning, above recipe
    • 10 ounce can, fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles, drained
    • 4 ounces shredded Mexican blended cheese

    Serving Suggestions

    • Taco shells or lettuce wraps
    • shredded lettuce
    • chopped tomatoes
    • salsa
    • shredded cheese

    Save the Recipe?

    Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox to view anytime. Plus the bonus of regular recipes to you for inspiration!

    Instructions

    Taco Seasoning

    • In a medium-sized bowl, stir and combine chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Transfer to an airtight container. Set aside.  

    Beef Taco Meat

    • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add diced onion and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and develops some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
    • To the skillet, add beef, cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Carefully drain and discard excess fat from skillet.
    • Add taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chilis to the skillet. Stir to combine. Saute, stir frequently until tomatoes are heated through and the beef mixture is thoroughly coated in the taco seasoning, approximately 2-3 minutes. Taste and if needed, add additional taco seasoning.
    • Remove the skillet from heat and top with shredded cheese. Cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
    • Serve immediately and garnish as desired.

    NOTES

    Be sure to check Variations, Expert Tips, and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.
    For tacos: Taco shells or lettuce wraps, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, salsa, and/or extra cheese
    To make nachos: Gluten-free tortilla chips, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and/or avocado. 
    This recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. I recommend that you store these sandwiches unassembled.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 778mg | Potassium: 437mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1195IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

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    Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Donna

      March 24, 2022 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      Quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight!

      Reply
    2. Lynn Polito

      March 22, 2022 at 1:34 pm

      These are so good! A family favorite!

      Reply
    3. Jenn

      March 22, 2022 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      This taco meat was the best I've had! It was easy to make and so crazy flavorful - I loved every bite!

      Reply
    4. Sherry

      March 22, 2022 at 8:59 am

      5 stars
      This Easy Ground Beef Tacos recipe is super easy and has great flavor. I have been looking for a homemade tacos seasoning recipe because I have always used a prepackaged mix. My family gives 2 thumbs up for your tacos recipe!!

      Reply
    5. Anne

      March 22, 2022 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      Awesome, I love serving these in lettuce wraps.

      Reply
    6. Mandy

      March 22, 2022 at 3:35 am

      5 stars
      These beef tacos came out perfect - my whole family loved them!

      Reply
    7. Linda

      March 22, 2022 at 12:04 am

      5 stars
      These beef tacos are so good and all the ingredients blend in together. It's like a fiesta in every bite!

      Reply
    8. Rupali

      March 21, 2022 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and quick enough for weeknight dinners.

      Reply

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    23 shares