Classic Ground Beef Tacos
These easy ground beef tacos are a great place to begin taco night. Prepare the classic seasoned beef filling, or stir in refried beans for a creamier, budget-friendly variation that stretches the meat and makes several extra tacos.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 8 tacos, or 8-10 tacos with refried beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 8 hard taco shells or small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large tomato, diced
- Salsa, sour cream or guacamole for serving
Optional Beef and Refried Bean Variation
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- Use 1/4 cup water instead of 1/3 cup
Directions
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain the excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water for classic tacos, or 1/4 cup water when making the refried bean variation.
- For classic beef tacos, simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is evenly seasoned and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- For beef and bean tacos, stir in the refried beans and cook over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until hot and evenly combined.
- Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to the package directions.
- Spoon the filling into each shell.
- Top with lettuce, cheese, tomato, salsa and any other toppings your family enjoys.
Kid Chef Tip
Set the toppings in small bowls and let children build their own tacos. Younger cooks can add lettuce, cheese and tomatoes while an adult handles the hot skillet.
Budget Tip
Adding refried beans helps the filling serve more people without requiring another pound of meat. You can also replace part of the beef with black beans.
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Recipe,
image and content from Kids-Cooking-Activities.com
