Name: The Best Taco Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); 2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup tomato sauce; ½ cup water; 8 taco-size corn or flour tortillas; Toppings, as desired: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, chopped red onion

Introduction

Tacos are a beloved classic that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. This recipe for the best taco meat is flavorful, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Whether you prefer ground beef or turkey, these tacos come together in just minutes and pair perfectly with your favorite toppings.

The image shows a metal platter filled with six soft corn tacos arranged tightly in two rows. Each taco has two layers of yellow corn tortillas holding a bed of dark brown cooked ground beef as the main filling. Bright green shredded lettuce and small red tomato chunks are scattered on top of the beef. Crisp purple diced onions and a light sprinkle of orange shredded cheddar cheese add extra color layers. Some tacos have a dollop of white sour cream on the beef. A white bowl filled with smooth white sour cream sits near the top right corner of the platter, with a black spoon resting inside. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste; use less if you are sensitive to spice or your chili powder is very spicy)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup tomato sauce

½ cup water

8 taco-size corn or flour tortillas

Toppings, as desired: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, chopped red onion, etc.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, crumbling with a spoon or spatula, until browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the meat is fully cooked and reaches your desired texture.

Step 3: Warm the tortillas and serve the taco meat inside them with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef without sacrificing flavor.

Adjust the chili powder to control the spice level or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

Try warming tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side for extra softness and flavor.

Mix some diced jalapeños into the meat for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use corn tortillas which are naturally gluten-free and double-check that your chili powder and other seasonings do not contain gluten.

Can I prepare the taco meat ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the taco meat a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving for convenience.