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Craving tacos but don’t want the hassle of preparing a large batch? This single serving Ground Beef Taco Recipe is your perfect solution. It’s an easy, fuss-free recipe that brings the traditional taco flavors to your kitchen in no time. Using simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, this recipe is designed for those days when you want a quick yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or scaling up, this recipe is versatile and customizable to suit your taste.
Craving more single serving taco recipes? Explore our mouth-watering collection including juicy Chicken Tacos, hearty Baked Black Bean Tacos, zesty Shrimp Tacos, classic Fish Tacos, and bold Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos. Perfect for those cooking for one, each recipe packs a unique flavor punch!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Beef Tacos Recipe
- Ingredients
- Cooking Ground Beef For Perfect Beef Tacos
- Assembling Your Beef Tacos: Easy And Delicious
- Expert Tips
- What To Serve With Ground Beef Tacos
- Frequently Asked Questions
- My Family’s Favorite Beef Taco Memories
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Ground Beef Tacos For One Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Beef Tacos Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up these tacos in no time – ideal for busy days.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Minimal Clean-up: Using only a few utensils makes cleaning a breeze.
- Healthier Option: By controlling the ingredients, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought taco kits.
- Perfect Portion: Ideal for a fulfilling meal without any waste.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this ground beef tacos recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for this recipe, extra virgin olive oil is the least processed, retaining more of the natural flavors and nutrients of olives. It’s my go-to choice for its high quality and robust taste. However, a lighter olive oil can be substituted if preferred.
- Chopped Onions and Garlic: These are key for adding depth to the beef filling. Lacking fresh garlic? Substitute with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder to maintain that essential flavor.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80-90% lean ground beef to balance flavor and healthiness. Alternatively, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter version. If you’ve got extra ground beef, consider using it in Lasagna Rollups, Spaghetti and Meatballs, or Beef Enchiladas.
- Seasonings: Elevate your tacos with homemade taco seasoning, or use a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, and salt for that classic taco flavor. We use taco seasoning in Taco Soup and in Taco Casserole.
- Taco Shells: While taco shells are traditional, feel free to switch to tortillas. Try our small batch flour tortilla recipe for a homemade touch
Cooking Ground Beef For Perfect Beef Tacos
Creating the perfect beef taco starts with expertly cooking the ground beef. This recipe calls for a flavorful mix of 5 ounces of ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, or a mixture of salt, chili powder, and ground cumin. For optimal cooking, it’s recommended to use an 8- to 10-inch skillet, ensuring the beef browns evenly.
To begin, heat your skillet and add the olive oil.
Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to break the beef into smaller chunks. Allow the beef to cook and brown for a few minutes.
As the beef starts to brown, keep breaking it into smaller pieces for even cooking. This is the perfect time to sprinkle in your spices.
Continue cooking the beef until it’s thoroughly browned, making sure to stir occasionally for even seasoning and cooking.
Following these steps will result in perfectly cooked, flavorful ground beef, making your beef tacos the star of any single-serving meal.
Assembling Your Beef Tacos: Easy And Delicious
Putting together your ground beef tacos is a breeze.
Once your ground beef is perfectly cooked, the next step is to prepare your taco shells. Warm and crisp them up in the oven – this simple touch makes a big difference.
Then, fill each shell with the savory ground beef. Now comes the fun part: topping your tacos. Go ahead and add your favorite toppings to customize your taco experience.
Expert Tips
- Drain the Beef: After cooking, drain excess fat for a healthier taco.
- Warm the Shells: Heat your taco shells in the oven for extra crunch.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder for desired heat.
- Fresh Toppings: Add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for more flavor and texture.
What To Serve With Ground Beef Tacos
Indulge in these beef tacos with a variety of toppings and sides to make your meal even more enjoyable.
- Fresh Pico de Gallo: A vibrant mix of fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, adding a burst of freshness.
- Rich Queso: Drizzle or spoon this creamy cheese sauce for a decadent touch.
- Flavorful Spanish Rice: Serve alongside your tacos for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy texture.
- Guacamole: Perfect for a rich, buttery addition.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese for extra flavor.
- Rice or Beans: Serve on the side for a more filling meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, ground chicken or ground turkey are great alternatives.
Store the beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, swap the ground beef for beans or a meat substitute.
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! If you’d like to make an extra serving, just double the ingredient amounts.
My Family’s Favorite Beef Taco Memories
When my kids were small, taco night was a highlight of our week. I used to rely on store-bought taco kits, but now I prefer this homemade method. It’s just as simple, and you can really feel the difference in taste. Whether you’re making two or three tacos, you’ll find this recipe incredibly adaptable and just right for a satisfying meal.
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 would like information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this 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 Note: Instead of using individual spices (salt, chili powder, and cumin), use ½ teaspoon of taco seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 taco shells
Optional Toppings
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- avocado slices
- salsa
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat oil 30 seconds. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook an additional minute.
- Add ground beef to skillet and break up with a spatula. Add salt, chili powder, and cumin and cook until meat is no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Transfer the ground beef to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Cover and set aside.
- Heat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place taco shells on a baking sheet and bake 5 minutes or until heated.
- Fill taco shells with meat and desired toppings.
Notes
- Drain the Beef: After cooking, drain excess fat for a healthier taco.
- Warm the Shells: Heat your taco shells in the oven for extra crunch.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder for desired heat.
- Fresh Toppings: Add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for more 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.
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!