Don’t Boil Tacos Again—Make These Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos Instead!
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—this is the ultimate comfort food recipe your whole family will love.
Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner idea that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps? These Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos are everything you need for a perfect weeknight meal. With golden taco shells, juicy seasoned beef, and melty cheese in every bite, you’ll never look at tacos the same way again.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft, your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Pickled jalapeños
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Fresh avocado or guacamole
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a little olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly. Make sure to break it up with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly.
Pro Tip: Drain excess fat for a cleaner, more flavorful result.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning and water. Mix well, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes. The mixture will thicken and absorb all the bold, savory flavors.
Step 3: Warm Your Taco Shells
If you’re using hard taco shells, place them in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F to get extra crispy. If you’re using soft tortillas, warm them on a skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each shell with a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef, then top with a handful of shredded cheese. Want gooey, melted cheese? Pop the assembled tacos under a broiler for 1–2 minutes or microwave briefly until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Customize with Toppings
This is where the fun begins—top your tacos with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, a few jalapeños, or a drizzle of salsa. Make each taco your own!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Tacos:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Mix meats like beef + chorizo for deeper taste.
- Homemade taco seasoning (cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, chili powder) can elevate the flavor.
- Don’t overfill the tacos—you want a balanced bite, not a mess.
What to Serve with These Tacos?
To make it a full meal, try serving these tacos with:
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- A side of tortilla chips with queso or guacamole