These 20-minute soft tacos are what I make when a Taco Bell craving hits, and takeout isn't happening. The beef is finely crumbled and coated in a bold homemade seasoning and tomato paste for that rich, flavorful taste I love.
I made this recipe specifically to recreate that Taco Bell taco meat texture at home. The homemade seasoning and tomato paste are what give it that fast-food taco flavor I crave.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef - I prefer 80-85% lean ground beef for these tacos because the extra fat helps keep the finely crumbled meat flavorful and juicy. If you want to skip draining excess fat, use 90% lean ground beef or higher. If you're looking to swap the protein, you can also do Ground Turkey Soft Tacos and Ground Chicken Tacos.
Spices - Chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Store-bought taco seasoning works in a pinch, but homemade taco seasoning really does taste better.
Tomato Paste -This is what gives the meat that rich, deep Tex-Mex flavor. You can skip it if you don't have it, but I prefer the taco meat with it. If you're using store-bought taco seasoning, skip the tomato paste, since many mixes already contain tomato powder.
Tortillas - Soft shell tortillas hold up better and soak up the juices without falling apart. Warm them in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. If you prefer corn my crispy baked ground beef tacos are the move.
Cheese - Finely shredded Mexican blend melts right into the warm beef for that classic taco vibe.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Soft Shell Beef Tacos
Step 1 | Brown the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and break it apart. Drain the excess fat.
Step 2 | Mix the Seasoning
Combine chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and oregano in a small bowl.
Step 3 | Add Taco Seasoning
Add the seasoning, tomato paste, and ½ cup of water to the beef. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces and the beef is well coated.
Step 4 | Assemble
Warm the soft shell tortillas and assemble the soft shell tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese-or any toppings you like!
Tips
Get the Right Texture: For really fine taco meat, use a 5-blade meat masher to break the beef into very small pieces as it cooks. That fine, even crumble is what makes this taste like Taco Bell - and it's the texture I was going for from the start.
Make It Spicy: Stir in ½ teaspoon of cayenne or chipotle chili powder with the seasoning, or just hit it with hot sauce at the end.
Make It Ahead of Time!
Prep: Cook and season the beef. Chop your toppings and have everything ready to go.
Store: Refrigerate the beef for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Store tortillas and toppings separately.
Reheat: Warm the beef on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave with a splash of water until heated through. Warm your tortillas, assemble, and you're good.
Taco Toppings
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Queso
- Pickled veggies (jalapeños, red onions)
- Refried beans
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
Common Questions
How do you make the taco meat fine? Use 80-85% lean ground beef and break it down as it cooks with a 5-blade meat masher.
What kind of ground beef is best? 80-85% lean for juicier, more flavorful meat. 90-95% lean works if you want less grease, but the texture won't be quite as rich.
Best way to warm flour tortillas?
- Skillet: Warm for 1-2 minutes per side over medium heat.
- Oven: Place on a baking sheet at 375°F for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 60-90 seconds, flipping halfway.
- To keep warm: Wrap in a clean kitchen towel.
How do you reheat taco meat?
- Stovetop: Medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stir until hot.
- Microwave: Add a splash of water, cover, and heat until warm.
Sides
- 15-minute No Fail Queso Dip - Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping!
- Guacamole and Chips - Fresh, flavorful, and a must-have with tacos.
- Mexican Rice - A classic side that pairs perfectly with seasoned beef tacos.
- Refried Beans - Creamy and savory, great as a side or taco filling.
Tried this recipe? Let everyone know how it turned out! Your feedback and tips help others decide if they should make it.
Ground Beef Soft Tacos
Ingredients
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Ground Beef Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
- 1 batch Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 8 tortillas flour or corn
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- While the beef cooks, mix together the spices for Homemade Taco Seasoning.
- Once the beef is cooked and drained, turn the heat down to medium. Add the seasoning mixture, tomato paste, and ½ cup water to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid reduces and the beef is coated in the seasoning.
- Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds on each side or microwave them for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Spoon the seasoned beef into each tortilla. Add your toppings-shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
More Taco Recipes
- Crock Pot Shredded Beef Tacos - Simple and easy to make! After several rounds of testing, I discovered the secrets to make these beef tacos super flavorful.
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos - Combine your taco and wing nights with these Buffalo Chicken Tacos.
- Shredded Chicken Soft Tacos- Craving something flavorful and easy to make? These chicken tacos with shredded chicken are quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Crispy Refried Bean Tacos- This is a great recipe to make when you don't feel like cooking. Crispy Refried Bean Tacos only have 5 ingredients and 4 simple steps.
- Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos- The pork is cooked in a slow cooker then broiled in the oven, so the edges get crispy with the middle stays juicy and flavorful.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!