Ground beef tacos get an upgrade with this veggie-packed recipe. Using homemade seasoning and ready in less than 30 minutes, they are sure to be a family favorite.
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As a kid, I was always extra excited for supper when Mom said it was taco night. Our typical spread was ground beef tacos, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa and hard taco shells. And they always hit the spot.
These tacos are everything I loved about my childhood ones but... BETTER. The addition of sautéed onions, peppers and garlic, tomato paste for some extra flavor, sweet bursts of corn, taco seasoning and serving them on homemade corn tortillas (feel free to use store-bought though!) really take them up a level.
You'll love them because they are:
- Healthier. Made with extra lean ground beef, plenty of vegetables and homemade seasoning (no package needed), these tacos offer a wholesome twist with even more flavor.
- Quick Prep. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty dinner in a hurry.
- Family Favorite. Fun to eat and customizable with toppings, taco night is always a crowd-pleaser.
The Ingredients
- Extra Lean Ground Beef- I prefer to make these with extra lean ground beef. If using lean or regular ground beef, drain most of the grease off after browning.
- Bell Peppers- I like to use orange and red for extra colorful tacos but any color will work.
- Yellow Onion- Red or white onion will work as well.
- Garlic- If needed, you can use an additional ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in the seasoning instead.
- Tomato Paste- Just a little bit of tomato paste really brings all of the flavor together. If you don't have any, you can leave it out but add 1 tablespoon of water for moisture.
- Corn- I use frozen corn- no need to thaw. You can use one small can of corn kernels instead or leave it out completely.
- Taco Seasoning
- Sea Salt
The Method
1. Brown beef. Add the beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and crumble for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
2. Sauté vegetables. Add the onions and peppers and cook with the beef until nearly tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic.
3. Season and simmer. Add the seasonings, taco paste and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the corn to heat up and the flavors to meld.
4. Serve. Layer into taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Store leftover ground beef tacos mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Place a skillet over medium heat, add the leftover filling to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can rewarm in the microwave but I find the texture and flavor best on the stove.
Make it Your Own
- Spicy Tacos- Include a finely chopped jalapeno in the same step as the bell peppers.
- Add Beans- Add one can of black beans at the same time as the seasonings.
- Use a Different Meat- This recipe is also delicious with ground turkey or chicken. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan before cooking. (Or try these Baked Fish Tacos).
Serving Ideas
- Tacos: Serve them as tacos in wheat, oat or corn tortillas with all of your favorite toppings such as-
- Chopped Lettuce
- Diced Tomatoes
- Thinly Sliced Radishes (these add a wonderful crunch)
- Cilantro
- Shredded Cheese
- Cashew Queso Dip
- 5 Minute Salsa
- Guacamole
- Greek Yogurt
- Bowls: Cook up some rice and layer the beef mixture on it with all of your favorite taco toppings. I like to do this with the leftovers!
- Nachos: Use this taco filling in place of the ground turkey mixture in this nachos recipe.
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Recipe Card
Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped, about 1 cup
- 2 bell peppers finely chopped, about 2 cups
- 3 cloves garlic minced, about 1 tbsp
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup frozen corn
Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 and ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and stir, breaking into pieces until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Add the onion and peppers. Sauté, stirring often until nearly softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic for an additional minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste, corn and seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes until the corn is cooked through.
- Allow to cook uncovered for about 5 more minutes until the corn is heated through and most of the juices have evaporated.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Kelley says
This was so easy to make and made great burrito bowls! Thank you!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Kelley!
Kali Alexandria says
These tacos are the best! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Kali!
Claudia Lamascolo says
These were a big hit everyone loves tacos and it was an easy recipe I will make again
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Claudia!
Jacqueline Debono says
I love tacos too and beef are my favourite. Your recipe sounds delicious. I love the idea of eating the beef mixture over rice with toppings as a taco bowl! Going to try that!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Jacqueline.
Andrea says
Quick, simple, and great flavor. A perfect meal for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight.
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe!