Tacos with Ground Beef or Chicken

Tacos are a staple in many households for their ease of preparation and endless customization options. The filling, whether made with ground beef or chicken, is seasoned to perfection, and then piled high onto soft or crispy taco shells. Add your favorite toppings—whether it’s fresh salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, or crisp lettuce—and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make both ground beef and chicken taco fillings, along with tips for homemade seasoning blends and ideas for topping your tacos.

Ingredients:

For the Taco Filling (Ground Beef or Chicken):

1 lb ground beef (or chicken breasts or thighs for chicken tacos)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (for ground beef) or 1 tablespoon of salsa (for chicken)
1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth (for ground beef) or water (for chicken)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for added tang)

For the Taco Toppings:

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or cotija)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Guacamole or sliced avocado
Salsa or pico de gallo
Lime wedges, for serving
Hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

For the Taco Shells:

12 soft flour or corn tortillas (or a combination of both)
Or 12 crunchy taco shells

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling

Ground Beef Filling:

Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Season the beef: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to coat the beef and onions with the spices.
Add the tomato paste and broth: Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or water. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more chili powder if desired.
Finish with lime juice: Add the fresh lime juice to the beef mixture just before serving for a bright, tangy finish.

Chicken Filling:

Prepare the chicken: If using chicken breasts or thighs, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Season the chicken: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (optional). Stir to coat the chicken in the spices.
Add salsa and water: Stir in 1 tablespoon of salsa (or tomato paste if you prefer a thicker sauce) and 1/2 cup of water (or chicken broth). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more salsa if needed.
Finish with lime juice: Like with the beef, add fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavor of the chicken.

Step 2: Warm the Taco Shells

Warm soft tortillas: To warm soft flour or corn tortillas, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and microwave for about 30 seconds, or heat them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. If you prefer, you can also wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Warm crunchy taco shells: If you’re using pre-made crunchy taco shells, simply place them on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Alternatively, you can heat them in a toaster oven or in the microwave for a quick option.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Start with the taco shell: Lay each warmed taco shell (either soft tortillas or crunchy taco shells) on a serving plate.
Add the filling: Spoon a generous amount of either the ground beef or chicken filling into each taco shell. Don’t overfill, as it can make the tacos difficult to eat.
Top with your favorite ingredients: Add your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or pico de gallo. For added freshness, serve with lime wedges and a drizzle of hot sauce if you like your tacos spicy.
Serve immediately: Serve the tacos immediately while they’re still warm, and let everyone customize their own taco with the toppings they prefer.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once your tacos are assembled, enjoy them immediately with your favorite side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad. You can also serve the tacos with chips and salsa or a refreshing beverage like a cold margarita or agua fresca.

Tips for Perfect Tacos with Ground Beef or Chicken:

Make your own taco seasoning: Homemade taco seasoning is easy to make and allows you to control the flavor. Mix together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper for a customizable taco seasoning. You can store extra seasoning in an airtight container for future use.
Customize the fillings: You can swap out the ground beef or chicken for ground turkey, tofu, or even shrimp for a different take on tacos. You can also use pulled pork, beef brisket, or fish for a unique taco filling.
Add texture with toppings: A great taco is all about the balance of flavors and textures. Don’t skip on the toppings—crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, spicy salsa, and tangy sour cream all add wonderful layers to your taco experience.
Use fresh tortillas: If you have access to a local Mexican market, try using freshly made tortillas for a real treat. Fresh tortillas will give your tacos a soft, pillowy texture that’s unbeatable.
Make it a taco bar: Set up a taco bar with a variety of fillings, shells, and toppings so that everyone can create their own tacos. This is a great way to please different tastes at a dinner party or casual gathering.
Make the taco filling ahead of time: Both the beef and chicken taco fillings can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the fillings for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving for an easy and quick taco night.

Serving Suggestions:

Side dishes: Serve your tacos with Mexican rice, black beans, or a tangy cilantro-lime rice. A side of fresh guacamole and chips also works wonderfully to complement the flavors of the tacos.
Drink pairings: Tacos are delicious with a cold drink like a margarita, a chilled beer, or a fruity agua fresca. You can also serve sparkling water with lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Conclusion:

Tacos with ground beef or chicken are the perfect dish for a quick and delicious meal. The tender, flavorful meat combined with fresh toppings and warm tortillas makes for a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or feeding a crowd, tacos are always a great option. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create delicious, customizable tacos that are packed with flavor. Experiment with different fillings, toppings, and salsas to make the tacos your own and enjoy a fun and satisfying meal every time.