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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish » Meat

    Tacos

    Published: Feb 15, 2016 · Updated: Mar 6, 2024 · Post may contain affiliate links

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    My favorite easy recipe for ground beef tacos that doesn't use taco seasoning packets. Don't be intimidated by the long ingredients list -- it's only the seasonings for the tacos

    My favorite easy recipe for ground beef tacos that doesn’t use taco seasoning packets. Customize the toppings for your family! from Living Well Kitchen

    Making tacos is one of my specialties.

    I have posted 10 versions of tacos on the blog (crawfish, tofu, black bean & kale, Philly cheese steak, fish, shrimp & avocado, slow cooker beef carnitas, slow cooker chicken, slow cooker chicken ranch), but I've never posted a recipe for regular ground beef tacos.

    I took it as a sign when ground sirloin was on sale the other day that I needed to post them ASAP.

    Tacos from Living Well Kitchen

    These tacos are one of my favorite know-by-heart recipes, so it was actually a little challenging to get the recipe just right. I ended up making three batches to make sure it was perfect.

    OK, so maybe I just really like these, and I needed an excuse to make tacos 3 times in one week.

    Tacos from Living Well Kitchen

    Quick note: These are kinda spicy because I like spicy. Feel free to cut back or omit the cayenne pepper if you're not a spicy fan.

    Tacos from Living Well Kitchen

    The best part is that I was able to use the taco leftovers to make other things! I think my favorite part about ground beef tacos is that you can do a lot with their leftovers. I like to toss in a can of beans, then make salads, stuffed bell peppers, and more.

    I usually double the recipe, so I'll be guaranteed leftovers (which also happen to freeze well).

    One pound of meat plus onions & bell peppers is going to make about 4 cups. The average serving is about 1 cup. So you might want to make more if you are interested in having leftovers to use for some delicious meals I'll be posting later 😉

    K, so that about covers it. There's not too much to say because there's not too much to do to produce fantabulous taco-licious results.

    Tacos from Living Well Kitchen

    Tacos

    My favorite easy recipe for ground beef tacos that doesn't use taco seasoning packets. Don't be intimidated by the long ingredients list -- it's just the seasonings for the tacos
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Meme

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 1 medium onion about 1 ¼ cup, diced
    • 1 bell pepper about 1 ¼ cup, diced
    • 4 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • ⅔ cup water
    • tortillas for serving
    • optional toppings: cheese lettuce, tomatoes, avocado

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onions, and bell peppers over medium-high heat. Drain and add back to the skillet.
    • Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, sugar, cayenne pepper, and ground coriander. Stir well to coat ground beef & veggies.
    • Sprinkle cornstarch on the mixture and add water. Bring to a simmer, and reduce heat. Simmer until the liquid has thickened, about 15 minutes. Serve in tortillas with your choice of toppings, and enjoy!

    Notes

    *This makes 4 cups.
    *The coriander and sugar are optional. Both make the tacos taste more like the tacos that use taco seasoning packets.
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    Meme

    Nutrition Facts

    Nutrition Facts
    Tacos
    Serving Size
     
    1 cup
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    193
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    6
    g
    9
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    70
    mg
    23
    %
    Sodium
     
    416
    mg
    18
    %
    Potassium
     
    579
    mg
    17
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    7
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    3
    g
    3
    %
    Protein
     
    25
    g
    50
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    2060
    IU
    41
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    40.3
    mg
    49
    %
    Calcium
     
    30
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    3.9
    mg
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    Meme holding Watson at a restaurant in san diego.

    Hi, I'm Meme!

    A thirty-something registered dietitian nutritionist here to help you enjoy food, make eating easier, and live free of diets & shame.

    About Meme

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