These Ground Beef Tacos are easy to make during the week and are great for the whole family. The taco meat is juicy and flavorful, and I make my own taco seasoning.
Monday through Thursday is our favorite night to eat as a family, and Tuesday is Taco Tuesday! I love using my own quick homemade taco seasoning for this recipe because it only takes 10 minutes to cook the taco meat. Give it a try and it’ll be your new go-to for taco night too!.
Making taco seasoning from scratch is super easy and can be cheaper than buying the prepared taco seasoning. Here are the spices I include in my recipe. Feel free to also add paprika, coriander, onion powder and crushed red pepper to give it some heat.
Because chili powder and cumin are usually stronger than the other spices, I give suggested amounts in the recipe card below. However, feel free to adjust the quantities, or use your favorite prepared taco seasoning.
Tacos are one of the most popular Tex-Mex foods, and for good reason. When made right, beef tacos are flavorful, messy, and downright delicious. While you can always opt for hard or soft taco shells from the store, homemade corn or flour tortillas take these tacos to the next level. When combined with flavorful shredded beef, fresh garnishes, and tangy sauces, you get a taco that tastes like it came straight from your favorite taqueria.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to make truly authentic beef tacos entirely from scratch. From seasoning and cooking the beef just right to warming the tortillas so they’re perfectly pliable, follow these steps and tips for beef tacos that rival any restaurant or taco truck.
Selecting and Preparing the Beef
The star of any good taco is the protein. For beef tacos, you want to use a cut of beef that becomes tender and shreds easily after cooking. The most common cuts used are:
- Chuck roast or chuck steak
- Brisket
- Round or rump roast
- Flank or skirt steak
Chuck roast is often the most readily available and budget-friendly option. Look for a roast that has good marbling which keeps the meat tender and adds flavor. For skirt or flank steak slice it across the grain into thin strips for carne asada-style tacos.
Before cooking, season the beef generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and your favorite taco seasoning or chili powder blend. The spices should coat the exterior evenly. Let the meat sit for about 20-30 minutes so the seasonings really penetrate.
For especially tasty shredded beef, consider marinating the meat overnight. Use a flavorful marinade of citrus juice, garlic, chili powder, cilantro, and olive oil. The acidic marinade helps break down fibers in the meat, making it more tender.
Cooking Methods for Tender, Flavorful Beef
To get beef that shreds easily, low and slow moist cooking methods are key Here are three top options
Braising: Brown the seasoned beef all over then simmer it in a flavorful braising liquid like beef broth, beer, or Mexican spices. Cook covered for 2-3 hours until fall-apart tender.
Slow cooker: Combine the beef and 1 cup of no-salt-added beef broth in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until shredable.
Pressure cooker: Pressure cooking is the fastest option, with fall-off-the-bone meat in 1-2 hours. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for pressure cooking time based on meat thickness.
The meat should be so tender you can break it apart using just a fork or spoon. For added flavor, you can return the cooked beef to the pot and let it simmer in the juices and spices for 10-15 minutes before assembling tacos.
Warming the Tortillas is Key
Authentic street tacos are made using warm, freshly cooked corn tortillas. The warmth makes the tortillas soft, flexible, and easier to wrap around the fillings without cracking.
You can purchase ready-made corn tortillas and wrap them in damp paper towels and plastic wrap and microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and pliable. For the freshest taste, make your own tortillas from masa harina and cook them on a hot skillet or griddle.
If using flour tortillas, do the same – wrap them in damp paper towels and heat until warm and pliable but not crispy. Warm tortillas make all the difference in getting that authentic street taco experience.
Flavorful Garnishes Take Tacos to the Next Level
Beyond the meat, it’s all the fresh garnishes and condiments that give tacos their amazing flavor. Here are some essential toppings:
- Finely chopped white onion
- Cilantro leaves
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Lime wedges
- Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
Allow diners to customize their tacos with their favorite toppings. Provide little dishes of each ingredient and let everyone build their perfect taco.
Some other tasty taco condiments include:
- Salsa verde or salsa roja
- Crema (or Mexican sour cream)
- Valentina or other hot sauce
- Pickled onions, carrots or jalapenos
- Frijoles refritos (refried beans)
With all the garnishes laid out taco bar style, dinner becomes interactive. Everyone can create their ideal combo of flavors and textures.
3 Tasty Taco Sauces
A flavorful taco sauce brings everything together. Have at least one sauce on hand for spooning over the tacos or dipping each bite into. Here are 3 excellent options:
Cilantro-Lime Crema: Whisk together 1 cup Mexican crema, 1/4 cup each lime juice and chopped cilantro, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Let sit 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Tomatillo Salsa Verde: Blend 1 lb tomatillos, 1 jalapeno, 1/2 white onion, cilantro, and salt to taste until smooth. Add water to adjust consistency.
Guajillo Chili Sauce: Soak 5 dried guajillo chiles in boiling water. Blend with garlic, onion, and beef broth until smooth. Simmer 15 minutes.
Putting it All Together
Now that you have flavorful shredded beef, warm tortillas, and all the toppings, it’s time to assemble. To serve, arrange everything family style and let everyone build their own tacos. Here are a few tips:
-
Heat the tortillas in batches as needed to serve fresh warm ones
-
Have spoons and tongs for serving beef and garnishes
-
Don’t overfill the tortillas or they’ll tear and spill everywhere. Street tacos are meant to be small.
-
Wrap corn tortillas in foil after filling to help hold their shape
-
Have plenty of napkins on hand – things will get messy!
-
Let any leftovers chill in the fridge, then enjoy beef taco salads the next day
With tender beef, warm tortillas, and loads of fresh flavors, these authentic street tacos will be a new family favorite. The hands-on experience of customizing each taco and the satisfaction of digging in makes this a fun and memorable meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef works best for tacos?
Chuck roast, brisket, round roast, and flank or skirt steak all work well. Look for cuts that become tender and shred easily when braised or slow cooked.
Can I use ground beef instead?
Ground beef can work but doesn’t replicate the shredded texture and flavor of braised whole cuts. Cook ground beef well and drain fat before using.
What if I can’t find corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas make a fine substitute, just be sure to warm them before serving. Heating makes them soft and flexible.
How do I keep assembled tacos from falling apart?
Use just enough fillings to avoid ripping the tortillas. Wrap corn tortillas in foil to hold shape after filling. Eat over a plate to catch spillage!
Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes! Cook beef, chop toppings, and make sauces 1-2 days ahead. Assemble tacos right before serving with warm tortillas.
Making outstanding tacos means paying attention to the details, from the cut of beef to warming the tortillas. Follow these tips for tacos that live up to your taqueria favorites! What are your favorite taco fillings and toppings?
Tips for making ground beef tacos
- When you add the sauce, be careful not to dry out the taco meat. Once the beef is done, add the seasonings and liquid and cook on medium-low heat until the sauce begins to thicken. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.
- Before you put the ground beef on top, heat up the tortillas. You can heat them up for one to two minutes on each side in the oven, the microwave, or a pot. This makes the tortillas soft, bendable, and much less likely to break.
- Add onions to the mixture to make it more savory. Before adding the ground beef, cook the onions until they get soft. It makes the taco meat taste better, but you don’t have to do it. Adding onion powder is a quick easy update as well.
What is the best ground beef for tacos?
I prefer to use 90% lean ground beef for tacos for the best flavor and consistency. If it’s any more lean, it may be too dry. If you choose a less lean type, make sure to drain the fat off the ground beef before adding the spices.