How to Make the Best Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef

Why Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef are the Perfect Weeknight Meal

There are many reasons why you should make this ground beef taco meat recipe. Firstly, it's a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Secondly, ground beef is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes, so you can use any leftover meat for other meals throughout the week.

Lastly, if you're looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, this recipe is a must-try. After all, just like corned beef and cabbage are synonymous with St. Patrick's Day, tacos are the perfect way to ring in this Mexican holiday.

How Much Ground Beef Do You Need for Tacos?

As a general rule, you should plan for about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of meat per person when making tacos. So for a family of four, you'll need around 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef. Of course, this can vary depending on your personal preferences and appetite, so adjust accordingly.

Topping Ideas

Toppings are what make tacos so delicious and fun to eat. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Diced onion (red or white)
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime wedges

Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations. You can also add other ingredients like black beans, corn, or peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Side Dishes to Serve with Tacos

Tacos are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to serve a side dish, here are some ideas:

• Rice (Mexican rice or plain white rice)
• Refried beans
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
• Corn on the cob
• Chips and salsa or guacamole

Here's our recipe for homemade tacos using ground beef:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Toppings 

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Shape the seasoned ground beef into patties, using a hamburger press if desired. Make sure the patties are about the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
4. Insert MeatStick Mini into the center of one of the patties. The MeatStick Mini will monitor the temperature of the patty as it cooks. 
5. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove the patties from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
6. While the patties are resting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Break up the cooked ground beef patties into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until they are soft and pliable.
9. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto the warm tortillas and topping with your choice of toppings.

Enjoy this delicious homemade ground beef taco recipe and the tips for adding a smoky flavor to your meat with the help of MeatStick Mini wireless meat thermometer! Tacos are a versatile and fun meal that you can customize to your liking with different toppings and spices. So gather your friends and family and dig in to these mouth-watering tacos!