These Easy Cheesy Beef Tacos are fun to make and even more fun to eat! Ground beef pairs perfectly with gooey cheese, all wrapped in crispy taco shells.
Who doesn’t love a taco night? I usually set up a toppings bar with salsa and guac, so everyone can build their own. Let’s be honest—more cheese is always a good idea! 😄
Making these tacos is a breeze! I brown the beef, mix in some cheese, stuff them in shells, and dinner is ready in no time. Quick and tasty, perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian meal, consider using lentils or black beans instead.
Onion: I like using yellow onions for their sweet flavor, but white or red onions can work too. If you’re sensitive to onions, use green onions or skip them entirely without compromising too much on taste.
Taco Seasoning: A packet is easy, but homemade is great if you have the spices on hand! Just mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. You can adjust these for more or less heat!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is common, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend can add extra flavor. Vegan cheese works too for a dairy-free version.
Taco Shells: Hard or soft? It’s totally up to you! If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas or gluten-free taco shells.
How Do I Brown Ground Beef Perfectly?
The browning process is key to developing flavor in your tacos. Start by breaking the ground beef into chunks as it cooks. It’ll help it brown evenly. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and diced onion at the same time.
- Use a spatula to break apart the beef as it cooks—this helps create a nice texture.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned, and don’t forget to drain the excess fat to keep it light.
Letting it simmer with the seasoning after browning really pulls everything together, so don’t rush that step! Enjoy your taco night!
How to Make Easy Cheesy Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Tacos:
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft, according to preference)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Salsa or sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. If you’re using soft taco shells that need warming in the oven, add an additional 5 minutes. In no time, you’ll have delicious tacos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Once done, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Next, stir in the taco seasoning and water, making sure everything is combined. Bring this mix to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This is where the flavors really come together!
3. Prepare the Taco Shells:
If you’re using soft taco shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If they need warming, arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet and get them ready to go in the oven. If you’re using hard taco shells, no need to heat them!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Once your beef mixture is ready, take spoonfuls of it and fill each taco shell. Top each taco with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. This is the cheese lover’s dream!
5. Melt the Cheese:
If you’re using soft taco shells, place the filled shells in the oven for about 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese to gooey perfection! If you’re using hard shells, you can skip this step.
6. Add Fresh Toppings:
After removing the tacos from the oven, top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes (if you like), and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor. They’re looking good!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Set out the tacos with salsa or sour cream on the side for dipping. Gather your friends or family, dig in, and enjoy your delicious, homemade cheesy beef tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink, and since these meats are leaner, you may want to add a bit of oil to prevent them from drying out as they cook.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like it spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture while cooking. You can also top your tacos with a spicy salsa or slice some fresh chili peppers to serve on the side.
Can I Make the Beef Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
How to Store Leftover Taco Components?
To store leftovers, keep the beef mixture separate from the taco shells and toppings. Store the beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the taco shells can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes should be consumed within 1-2 days for the best flavor.
