Easy Ground Beef Tacos (2024)

FAQs

Is 1 lb of ground beef enough for tacos? ›

Using a traditional 6-inch tortilla or traditional size hard taco shell, you can use about 2-3 tablespoons of taco meat per taco. That means that depending on how much you load up the ground beef tacos with other ingredients, one pound of beef could serve between 8 and 12 people.

As a general rule, you should plan for about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of meat per person when making tacos. So for a family of four, you'll need around 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef. Of course, this can vary depending on your personal preferences and appetite, so adjust accordingly.

Frying is a popular option, but boiling ground beef is easy, quick, and it creates leaner, finer meat! Cooking ground beef with this method creates the perfect crumbled ground meat for tacos, chili, spaghetti sauce, and more.

What ground beef lean-to-fat ratio is best for tacos? For tastier tacos, use a ratio between 80/20 and 90/10. A higher percentage of fat produces more moist and flavorful meat.

Generally speaking, four ounces of taco meat per person should be enough to make plenty of tacos for everyone in your group. That's approximately one-half to three-quarters of a pound of raw ground beef, depending on the size of the portion.

I figure 2 tacos per person, 2oz ground beef raw weight per shell, which comes out to a quarter pound per person, so you'd need 5lbs of ground beef to feed 20 people, more if you want to allow for seconds. Note this will vary a bit by fat content.

How much ground beef per taco? Each taco shell or small soft taco-size tortilla fits about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of meat. If you add diced onions, you could stretch a pound of ground beef to make about a dozen tacos. With just the meat and spices, you can make about 8 tacos from a pound of meat.

The most important thing when planning and prepping is to purchase enough ingredients. For instance, plan for about 3-4 ounces of ground beef taco meat per person, which means a pound of ground beef can feed roughly four people.

The calculator determines how much taco meat per person using specific measurements. It is based on a formula that uses the average serving of protein on the typical taco is an 1/8th of a pound of meat, which is about 2 ounces of beef before it is cooked. So, a pound of ground beef should nicely fill 8 tacos.

Add just enough water to cover the meat, bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for about an hour. Every 15 minutes or so break up the meat with a large spoon or a potato masher so that it isn't lumpy. Be sure always to keep just enough water to cover the meat.

What to add to taco meat to taste better? ›

I make my own homemade taco seasoning with dried spices I always have in my pantry: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Of course I add pink salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if the toddler isn't eating with us, I add red pepper flakes, too!

Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour water and seasoning mix over beef; stir to combine.

It's always a good idea to include something meaty, like ground beef, slow-cooked shredded chicken, or spicy shrimp. Saucy black beans or canned refried beans are also hearty options. Sautéed or grilled peppers and onions are a great vegetable-forward filling to include.

To season ground meat tacos, first sauté the meat until it loses its pinkish color. Then sprinkle with taco seasoning and stir to combine. Add one cup of vegetable, chicken or beef stock per pound of meat and stir to combine.

White Onions

If you love Mexican food, this is your go-to onion. With a bite that doesn't linger for too long, they add an onion-y brightness without overpowering other flavors. White onions are delicious when used raw—especially in salsa, salads, or sprinkled on tacos as a garnish.

Each taco shell or small soft taco-size tortilla fits about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of meat. If you add diced onions, you could stretch a pound of ground beef to make about a dozen tacos. With just the meat and spices, you can make about 8 tacos from a pound of meat.

The most important thing when planning and prepping is to purchase enough ingredients. For instance, plan for about 3-4 ounces of ground beef taco meat per person, which means a pound of ground beef can feed roughly four people.

It is based on a formula that uses the average serving of protein on the typical taco is an 1/8th of a pound of meat, which is about 2 ounces of beef before it is cooked. So, a pound of ground beef should nicely fill 8 tacos.

Use calculator to help determine how much meat to buy.

The starting rule of thumb is: Boneless Meat: 1/2 lb. per person for adults and 1/4 lb. per person for children.