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These easy ground beef tacos are filled with flavorful, seasoned beef and come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for one or two.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings and toppings to your taste.
- Perfect Portion: Makes 2 tacos and double ingredients to make more.
If you’re in the mood for a simple, satisfying meal, these ground beef tacos are just what you need. They’re filled with seasoned, juicy beef and topped however you like, making them the kind of tacos you’ll want to come back to again and again.
I make these whenever I want something fast and flavorful without a lot of fuss. They’re perfect for one or two people and deliver fresh, delicious results every time.
Looking for more single serving taco recipes? Try our chicken tacos for one, baked black bean tacos, single serving shrimp tacos, classic single serving fish tacos, and buffalo cauliflower tacos for one.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving ground beef tacos recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used to cook the beef and vegetables. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but a lighter olive oil works too.
- Onions and Garlic: Add depth and aroma to the taco filling. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
- Ground Beef: Use 80-90% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat. Ground turkey is a good lighter option. Leftover ground beef can be used in a single serving of lasagna rollups, spaghetti and meatballs for one, or beef enchiladas for one.
- Seasonings: Homemade taco seasoning or a simple blend of chili powder, ground cumin, and salt gives these tacos classic flavor. I also use taco seasoning in taco soup for one and in a small taco casserole.
- Taco Shells: Crispy taco shells are classic, but tortillas work just as well. Try my small batch flour tortilla recipe for a homemade option.
How To Make Beef Tacos
See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a small skillet (8–10 inches) over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add 5 ounces of ground beef to the hot pan.
- Break up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for a few minutes until it starts to brown.
- Season with taco seasoning or a mix of salt, chili powder, and ground cumin.
- Continue cooking, breaking up the meat as needed, until fully browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Warm the Shells:
- While the beef cooks, warm taco shells or tortillas in the oven until crisp.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon the cooked beef into the warmed shells.
- Add your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pico de gallo, sour cream, or a small batch of salsa.
Expert Tips
- Drain the Beef: Remove excess fat after cooking for a lighter taco.
- Warm the Shells: Heat taco shells in the oven for better crunch.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
- Use Fresh Toppings: Finish with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for extra flavor and texture.
What To Serve With Tacos
Pair these beef tacos with tasty sides and toppings to complete your meal.
- Single Serving Pico de Gallo: Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for bright flavor
- Small Batch Queso: Creamy cheese sauce for a rich touch
- Spanish Rice For One: A hearty side to round out your meal
- Guacamole For One: Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Small Batch Salsa: Quick to make and full of fresh flavor
- Sour Cream: Cool and creamy.
- Shredded Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness
Frequently Asked Questions
You can cook the beef ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat before serving. Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Yes, cooked and cooled taco beef can be frozen for up to 2 months.
No, you can use flour or corn tortillas instead.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serving ground beef taco recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Ground Beef Tacos For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic
- 5 ounces ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 taco shells
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, pico de gallo, salsa
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt, chili powder, and cumin, or use ½ teaspoon of taco seasoning instead. Cook for about 8 minutes, until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Cover and set aside.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Place taco shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, until warmed.
- Fill taco shells with the cooked beef and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Drain the Beef: Remove excess fat after cooking for a lighter taco.
- Warm the Shells: Heat taco shells in the oven for better crunch.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
- Use Fresh Toppings: Finish with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Terrific recipe.
Thank you!
Hi,
You know how you have a Small Batch Taco Seasoning,
Could I use the 1/2 teaspoon in this taco Recipe?
Yes, that would be perfect.
I will make these since my son has gastritis and can’t eat spicy food. Have you ever tried adding grated carrot on top of the beef? Delicious and adds an extra veggie!