Wondering how to make tacos at home? I’ve got 5 super easy taco recipes that can be adapted multiple ways, given the ingredients that you already have at home. These taco recipes can be done in 15 minutes or less!
How to Make Tacos From Scratch with 5 EASY Base Recipes!
If you’re wondering how to make tacos from scratch, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together this post to if you’re wondering how to make tacos, but I’ll answer all of your taco related questions, including what ingredients to use.
I’ve included 5 base taco recipes that you can adapt in multiple ways for whatever ingredients you might have on hand. These Easy Taco Recipes include oven, skillet/stove-top, air fryer and slow cooker recipes.
Here’s all of my tips and tricks for how to make tacos:
How do you make tacos from scratch?
To make taco filling/meat from scratch you’ll need a few basic ingredients; a meat/protein (beef, chicken, turkey, pork, fish or shellfish), and taco seasoning. Depending on the meat you use, you can also add tomato paste, water or lime juice.
I prefer to use my super-simple homemade taco seasoning. Most store-bought taco seasonings and sauces contain sugar, corn-fillers, starches or other unhealthy chemicals that we don’t need in our bodies. This easy taco seasoning can be used in ALL of the taco recipes below.
What do you need for tacos?
Along with your seasoned meat/protein, you’ll also need tortillas (corn or flour) for serving and toppings. The toppings you choose is based entirely on personal preference.
Traditional toppings for tacos can include:
- Pico de Gallo Salsa
- Guacamole or sliced avocados
- Avocado Lime Sauce
- Creamy Salsa Dressing
- Lettuce
- Shredded cheese or queso fresco
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh limes for lime juice
- Sliced jalapeños
- Pickled Red Onions
- Sour cream
- Salsa Verde or Tomatillo Salsa at Flavor The Moments
- Black Bean Corn Salsa
Easy Taco Recipe 1: 10 Minute Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef tacos are one of the more traditional ways to prepare tacos. The ground beef in this recipe is interchangeable with ground turkey, chicken or pork.
How do I make taco meat?
To make seasoned ground beef or turkey, you’ll begin by browning the meat. Drain off any excess fat that the meat renders. Add in the seasoning, tomato pasta and water. Bring the meat to a simmer. If you like, add in black beans to increase the volume to stretch your meat to go further.
What is the best place to buy ground beef or turkey?
I’ve discovered that the best place for standard and organic ground beef is Costco. The typically have the best prices and I can get multiple pounds of beef for the same price as what I would pay at another grocery store. Check out my page for all the Things to Buy at Costco for healthy meals and snacks.
In addition to ground beef, I also get my salmon, shrimp and chicken at Costco as well.
How can I use taco meat?
Seasoned taco ground beef can be used in multiple ways. These Sweet Potato Taco Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy the seasoned beef in something other than a taco.
Here are some of our other recipes that use seasoned taco meat:
- Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Easy Taco Cups
- Cheesy Taco Quesadillas
- Taco Stuffed Peppers
- Taco Mac and Cheese
- Sour Cream Enchiladas
- Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Easy Taco Recipe 2: Chicken Tacos
Making chicken tacos is a great way to change up your taco game. For this chicken taco recipe, you’ll use your slow cooker to cook the chicken. It’s a fantastic no-fuss recipe for seasoned Mexican Shredded chicken that you can also use in these recipes:
Easy Taco Recipe 3: Fish Tacos – Salmon, Tilapia, Cod or Mahi Mahi
Fish tacos are a favorite of many, and a fantastic way to tacos on the healthier side! This salmon tacos recipe can be adapted to use other fish like tilapia, cod or Mahi Mahi.
Try my delicious Pineapple Mango Salsa with these fish tacos – it’s an amazing way to add some sweetness and flavor to your taco recipe!
Easy Taco Recipe 4: Mexican Shredded Beef Barbacoa – Using Beef Chuck Roast or Pork Roast (carnitas)
Using your slow cooker, this Mexican Shredded Beef is an incredibly flavorful way to enjoy tacos. This recipe can use either a beef chuck roast or a pork roast. Prepping this meat in your slow cooker earlier in the day is a great way to save time when you come home for dinner.
Easy Taco Recipe 5: Shrimp Tacos
These Shrimp Tacos are fabulous! In addition to shrimp, you can also use scallops for this incredibly healthy taco option. The beauty of this recipe is that the shrimp is done in about 10 minutes in your skillet.
Serve with your favorite tortillas, salsa, avocado or guacamole and you’ve got the ultimate quick weeknight dinner!
Which tortillas are best for tacos?
I’ve discovered that corn tortillas are best for tacos. Look for the smaller size tortillas in the grocery store. Corn tortillas add to the flavor of the tacos. Flour tortillas are good as well, and tend to hold up better (tear less) than corn tortillas.
What is a good side for tacos?
Tacos are typically served with sides of black or pinto beans, and toppings for the tacos, like pico de gallo salsa, guacamole, fresh limes for juice, cilantro, shredded cheese or queso fresco and rice. Here are a few recipe ideas that go great with tacos.
- Loaded Guacamole
- Classic Pico de Gallo Salsa
- Pineapple Mango Salsa – especially great with fish and shrimp tacos!
- Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe
- Black Bean Corn Salsa
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Mexican Brown Rice by Nancy at Mexican Made Meatless
What drinks go with tacos?
It is customary to serve traditional TexMex fare with margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos or sangria. Here are some of my most popular cocktails that go wonderfully with tacos:
- Pineapple Margarita
- Mango Margarita
- How to Make A Skinny Margarita
- Coconut Margarita
- Strawberry Lime Margarita
- Raspberry Margarita
- Blueberry Coconut Mojito
- Mango Mojito
- Blue Curacao Margarita
- Spicy Jalapeno Margarita
Here’s the base recipe for How to Make Tacos From Scratch:
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Easy Taco Recipes 5 Ways
Equipment
- Large Skillet This large Anolon 12" Skillet is ideal for making one-pan meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or chicken, turkey or shrimp
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Optional:
- 1 (15 oz. can) black beans drained and rinsed
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown meat until cooked through. Remove from heat and drain off any excess fat.
- Place drained meat back in skillet and add taco seasoning, tomato paste and water. Heat over medium-low heat until mixture comes to a low simmer. Heat for 5 minutes until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve meat mixture in corn or flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells. Top with your preferred taco toppings, like pico de gallo salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro and/or fresh lime juice.
Notes
Nutrition
Best view i have ever seen !
Best view i have ever seen !
Is there somewhere to see the date you posted each recipe? I always appreciate this but I can’t find it.