Tacos With Ground Beef and Beans

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about our editorial process
Diana Rattray
Portrait of Diana Rattray smiling
Published on 10/02/19 by Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats's Editorial Process

Updated 10/02/19

Ground beef tacos with avocado on cutting board.

Sean Locke/Stocksy United
  • Total: 22 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 12 mins
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

These classic tacos contain lean ground beef, refried beans, and a variety of seasonings. The taco mixture makes a delicious filling for taco shells. Another way to enjoy the filling mixture and garnishes is on nachos. Make a big platter of nachos with the ground beef and refried beans along with lots of shredded cheese and your favorite garnishes.

If you're counting carbs, turn these tacos into a hearty supper salad! Serve the ground beef mixture on lettuce leaves with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. Add salsa and avocado wedges if you'd like.

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup onion (chopped)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or green, chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup refried beans
  • 1/2 cup taco sauce
  • 8 to 12 taco shells
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, or Mexican blend cheese)
  • Optional: 1 head lettuce (shredded)
  • Optional: diced tomatoes
  • Optional: sour cream

Steps to Make It

  1. Put the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-low heat and break it up with a wooden spoon. Add the chopped onions and the red or green bell pepper, if using. Stir in the chili powder, salt, and garlic powder. 

  2. Continue cooking, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.

  3. Add the refried beans to the beef mixture and use the wooden spoon to blend well. Stir in about half of the taco sauce. 

  4. Spoon ground beef mixture into the taco shells.

  5. Top each taco with shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, if desired.

  6. Sprinkle each taco with more taco sauce or pass it at the table.

  7. Serve the tacos with easy Mexican rice and avocado wedges.

Tips and Variations

  • Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. Use ground turkey or chicken thighs or half white meat and half dark meat for best flavor and texture.

  • Part or all lean ground pork may be used in the tacos.