Dinner

30-Minute Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

Bylina Carter October 17, 2025October 17, 2025

Introduction

These 30-minute ground beef tacos are flavorful, quick, and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight. With a homemade taco seasoning and fresh pico de gallo, they bring a delicious burst of flavor to your dinner table.

Three soft tacos sit side by side on a round white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each taco has two light yellow tortillas with slightly charred edges. The base layer inside the tacos is shredded light green lettuce. On top of that is a layer of browned, crumbled cooked ground meat. Scattered over the meat are small bright red tomato pieces mixed with tiny white onion bits and green herbs. Thin strands of shredded yellow and white cheese are sprinkled on top. In the upper background, there is a white bowl filled with diced tomatoes, onions, and herbs, and to the right, a brown wooden bowl containing white sour cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp chili powder (up to 2 tbsp depending on preference for heat)
1 tbsp cumin

1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp paprika

2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground pepper

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp coriander
¼ tsp oregano

¼ tsp red pepper flakes
2 roma tomatoes (diced to ½” – about 1 cup)
½ small white onion (diced to ½” – about ½ cup)

¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp ground pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped to ¼”)

1 lb ground beef (80-90% lean)
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth

12 soft corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
¾ cup shredded cheddar jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)
¼ head iceberg lettuce (shredded)

⅓ cup sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Combine all taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl or lidded jar and stir or shake until well combined.
Step 2: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste until very smooth.

Step 3: Make the pico de gallo by mixing the diced tomatoes, white onion, cilantro, lime juice, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp ground pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When shimmering, add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and the onions are translucent and slightly caramelized around the edges (7-8 minutes).

Step 6: Stir in the entire portion of taco seasoning and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant and well combined (2-3 minutes).
Step 7: Pour in the broth and tomato paste mixture, stir well, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
Step 8: Warm the tortillas, then serve the beef mixture in the tortillas topped with pico de gallo, shredded cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the chili powder to 2 tablespoons or add more red pepper flakes.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
Substitute corn tortillas for flour if preferred or to suit dietary needs.

Serve with avocado slices or guacamole for added creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. Keep tortillas separate and fresh toppings chilled until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Three corn tortillas with light charring are folded on a white plate with a thin brown rim, each filled with layers starting with shredded pale green lettuce, topped with brown cooked ground meat, bright red diced tomatoes mixed with white onion pieces and green herbs, and finished with a sprinkle of yellow and white shredded cheese. Above the plate, two bowls are visible: one white bowl with a fresh tomato and onion salsa, and a wooden bowl filled with creamy white sour cream, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the taco seasoning ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and store the taco seasoning in an airtight container for several weeks, making it easy to use whenever you want to make tacos.

Can I freeze the beef filling?

Yes, the cooked beef filling freezes well. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.