Ground Beef Tacos with Lettuce and Cheese
Simple, flavorful, and always a hit these Ground Beef Tacos with Lettuce and Cheese are a classic you’ll keep coming back to! Seasoned ground beef is cooked to perfection and tucked into crispy or soft taco shells, then topped with fresh lettuce and plenty of melty cheese for the perfect bite every time.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning mix (or homemade – see below)
- ½ cup tomato sauce OR beef broth (for moisture)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Tacos
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft tortillas)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
- Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning (instead of packet)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (6–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (2 minutes). Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce (or broth). Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells: If using hard taco shells: Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until crispy. If using soft tortillas: Heat them in a skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20 seconds.
- Step 3: Assemble the Tacos: Fill each taco shell with a spoonful of seasoned beef. Top with shredded lettuce and cheese. Add optional toppings like tomatoes, sour cream, or salsa.