Easy Ground Beef Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, 80–90% lean
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup salsa or tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 12 taco shells or small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Set out the taco shells, tortillas, toppings, and serving plates before cooking the beef so the meal can be assembled while the filling is hot. Chop the onion, tomato, and cilantro and keep the raw toppings in separate clean bowls.
2. Step 2.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Use a sturdy spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue until there are no visible raw pink areas and the meat has started to brown in several spots.
3. Step 3.If the beef has released a large amount of grease, carefully drain most of it while keeping enough fat in the skillet to carry flavor. Return the pan to medium heat and add the chopped onion, stirring for about 2–3 minutes until it softens.
4. Step 4.Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef and onion. Stir continuously so the spices coat the small pieces instead of forming dry pockets. Cook for about 30 seconds to warm the spices and release their aroma without burning them.
5. Step 5.Add the salsa or tomato sauce and water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and scrape the bottom so any browned beef bits are incorporated into the filling. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 3–5 minutes until the mixture looks juicy but not watery.
6. Step 6.Taste a small amount of the cooked filling after it has cooled enough to handle safely. Add more taco seasoning, salsa, or a pinch of salt if needed. Remember that cheese, sour cream, and other toppings will add their own salt and richness.
7. Step 7.Warm the taco shells according to their package directions, or warm soft tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side. Keep the shells on a plate or in a clean towel so they stay warm while you finish assembling the tacos.
8. Step 8.Divide the hot beef mixture among the shells, filling each one without packing it so tightly that it becomes difficult to eat. Add shredded lettuce and cheese first, followed by diced tomato and small spoonfuls of sour cream.
9. Step 9.Finish the tacos with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Offer extra salsa or hot sauce at the table so each person can adjust the heat to taste. Serve immediately while the shells are crisp and the filling is hot.
10. Step 10.Refrigerate leftover beef promptly in a covered container and keep the toppings separate when possible. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot, then assemble fresh tacos with new shells or tortillas for the best texture.