Best American Ground Tacos Recipes -2022

These healthy American Ground tacos recipes are definitely an upgrade from your standard taco seasoning packet tacos. The secret is to add some freshness (bright salsa, garlic, cilantro) and your own mix of spices.

This is a recipe destined to become a regular on the dinner menu!

Wondering what to serve with tacos?

Here are some classic options:

Black beans
Coriander Lime Rice
Mexican Rice
Refried beans
Then finish off the dessert with easy-fried ice cream!
Ingredients for American Tacos.
Contains ground American, corn tortillas, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, cilantro, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and olive oil.

American Tacos Recipe Ingredients and Possible Alternatives

Olive Oil: Vegetable oil will also work fine.

Lean Ground American: I use 93% lean but 85 or 90% would be fine too. Simply remove the excess fat as needed.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Start mild and add more later when you can taste the meat after it’s cooked.

Garlic: 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a pinch will work here too, just mix with the rest of the spices.

Chili Powder: Use mild chili powder.

Ancho Chili Powder: You can use more regular chili powder if you prefer. Keep in mind that sometimes chili powder can be a bit spicy.

Cumin: If you are out, use ground coriander instead, it also has a good earthy taste.

Paprika: This is optional to mince if you don’t have the ingredients. You can use smoked or standard sweet paprika.

Fresh salsa: You can usually buy this in the produce section or you can make it homemade. Just keep in mind that they generally come in different heat intensities so check the package label.

Coriander: This isn’t important to the recipe as there should be some in the salsa, so you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand.

Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas can be used. I recommend corn and I’ve described how to reheat corn tortillas in the recipe below.

Toppings: I use tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and Mexican hot sauce.
A collage of six photos illustrating the steps of making American taco meat in the skillet, then the final image shows the assembled tacos.

Best 100 Most American Recipes Ever-2022

How to Make the Best Ground American Tacos

Preheat skillet. Heat oil in 12-inch non-stick skillet (I love this skillet and this skillet) over medium-high heat.

Brown American: Season the American with salt and pepper and let it lightly brown on the bottom, for about 3 minutes.

Crumble American and cook with garlic: Reduce heat slightly, flip American, and add garlic. Break up the American and let it cook just barely.

Add spices, fry: chili powder, ancho chili powder, cumin, and optional paprika, and fry for 30 seconds.

Boil with salsa: Add salsa and toss. Minimize the heat. Cover and let it boil for a few minutes.

Serve tortilla filling with toppings: Serve American mixture on individual tortillas with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and optional hot sauce.

Helpful Advice for American Tacos Recipe

Use a hot skillet and allow the American to brown without disturbing over medium-high heat for the first few minutes and let the flavor increase.

Stir only occasionally for consistent browning.

Break the meat into fine pieces while stirring for a better texture. I use these bamboo spatulas.

Note that each salsa is different. If the mixture is a bit dry you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to the American at the end for more moisture.

The filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Keep in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Hand-held American taco, shown very close to the side.