Super Simple Trader Joe’s Beef Tacos

Homemade tacos are the perfect way to spice up a week-night dinner. This ground beef taco recipe is super simple, quick, & definitely packs a little heat!

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What day is it? HUMP DAY!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Hopefully you were able to devour some delicious tacos yesterday for Cinco de Mayo AND Taco Tuesday 🙂 . If not, don’t worry you can eat tacos any day– I’ve got you covered.

Dylan and I were both raised in Arizona and so naturally are big taco people. This taco recipe may not be exactly the same as some of our favorites back home, but it definitely holds up in taste (and we’re both pretty picky). This recipe is quick, delicious and super simple– perfect for a week-night dinner!

I used to season my taco meat with individual spices (and still do if I’m out of my packet mix), but I was so happy to discover this Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning.

It’s flavors are spot on and has a nice kick! If you like your meat really spicy (Dyl and I do) add in the entire packet, if you like a little less spice, only add in half. The seasoning costs less than $2– hello Trader Joe’s steal. I usually buy 2-3 packets at a time so I always have some on hand.

I also tried the Trader Joe’s yellow corn hard taco shells and was really impressed! We didn’t have any broken shells and no cracking down the middle when biting into them! Warming them up enough definitely helps so don’t skip this step 🙂

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What you’ll need to make the tacos:

For the taco meat-

• 1 lb ground beef (I used 80% lean)
• 1 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning
• 1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 small lime
• 1 package of Trader Joe’s Taco Shells (you can use any brand hard or soft taco shells!)
• 1 tbsp canola oil

Toppings-

• 1 15oz can black beans, drained & rinsed
• Shredded cheese (I use the shredded Lite Mexican Blend from Trader Joe’s)
• Shredded lettuce (I’m using romaine)
• Sour cream or plain non-fat greek yogurt
• Avocado, diced
• Lime
• Cilantro (I’m just putting this here for you guys… I HATE cilantro)

*All the toppings are optional, add in or leave out any of the toppings based on what you like on your taco!

Note: If you don’t eat beef, this recipe is really delicious with ground turkey too!

Recipe:

1. Over medium-high heat, sauté diced onion in canola oil for about 2 minutes, or until it begins to brown. Add in ground beef and Trader Joe’s taco seasoning. Continue cooking meat for 5-7 minutes. Note: If you like it really spicy add in the entire packet, for less spice, only add in half!

2. Add in crushed tomatoes, and reduce heat to low. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the lime juice right before serving!

3. While the meat is cooking, prepare all of your toppings! Today we decided to add black beans to the base of our taco. To make the black beans: In a sauté pan combine 1 can rinsed black beans with 1 tbsp of canola oil and a pinch of salt, cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes!

4. Warm up your taco shells! If using hard shells, fan them out on a microwave-safe plate and warm them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. For soft shells, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Note: Of course if you have all the time in the world you can heat the hard shells in the oven and the soft shells on the stove 🙂

5. Build your taco!

Today, I did a layer of black beans, taco meat, cheese, shredded lettuce, plain non-fat greek yogurt and lots of fresh lime!

Does anyone else intensely watch how their spouse or significant other is building their taco before you make yours? I always let Dylan go first so I can see how he’s layering everything. I get serious FOMO when it comes to food so I want to make sure I make mine just as delicious as his… maybe I’m the only one who does this. #FoodFOMO

I hope you try out & love this recipe on your next taco night!

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Leave a Comment Below

What’s your favorite taco topping?! If you try out these super simple Trader Joe’s tacos, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Follow me on instagram @hayleykahl for some ideas on how to use your left over taco meat.

XOXO Hayley

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*Click here to see safe minimum cooking temperatures for meats and other cooked foods!