9 Easy Mexican Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner Tonight

Stuck in a dinner rut? Does the thought of another predictable Taco Tuesday make you sigh? You grab a package of ground beef because it’s affordable and quick, but then your mind goes blank, defaulting to the same old tired recipe.

You need inspiration—fast. You’re looking for simple ground beef recipes that are packed with flavor, easy enough for a hectic weeknight, and exciting enough to get the whole family to the dinner table. The challenge is finding meals that go beyond basic tacos but don’t require a long list of specialty ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

Mexican ground beef recipes offer a versatile and flavorful solution for weeknight dinners. They leverage an affordable protein, come together quickly, and can be customized for the whole family, making them an ideal choice for busy schedules.

Tired of the Same Old Taco Tuesday and Need Dinner Inspiration?

The best solution for dinner boredom is to find a collection of exciting, simple, and delicious Mexican ground beef recipes that go beyond the basics. Ground beef is a weeknight hero—it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and cooks in minutes. When paired with the vibrant, comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine, it transforms into countless family-friendly meals.

Here’s the deal: you don’t need complicated techniques to create authentic flavor. In my experience as a busy home cook, the best recipes use accessible, pantry-staple ingredients to deliver incredible results.

This list is curated specifically for that purpose. Forget the dinner dilemma. We’ve compiled 9 incredible Mexican ground beef recipes, updated for this year, that are perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to find your new favorite meal.

9 Easy Mexican Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner Tonight

The best easy Mexican ground beef recipes include Classic Ground Beef Tacos, Cheesy Beef Empanadas, Mexican Picadillo, Easy Ground Beef Burritos, Spicy Ground Beef Nachos, Albondigas Soup, Taco Salad, a One-Pan Skillet, and a Layered Casserole. Each of these dishes is designed for simplicity and flavor, helping you get a delicious dinner on the table without the stress.

These recipes prove that you can have variety and excitement even on the busiest of weeknights. They balance authentic Mexican flavors with ingredients you likely already have on hand, making them approachable for cooks of every skill level.

1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos (Restaurant-Style)

The secret to amazing tacos is creating flavorful, non-crumbly ground beef taco meat just like they serve in restaurants. This recipe achieves that perfect soft, saucy texture that holds together beautifully.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup water, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 jalapeño (minced), 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, taco shells or tortillas, desired toppings.
• Instructions:
  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño, cooking until soft.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook on low for 10-15 minutes. The sauce will thicken and the beef will become incredibly soft.
  5. Serve in your favorite taco shells with toppings like lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.

Pro Tip: For that authentic, soft “restaurant-style” texture, let the beef simmer slowly in the sauce. This is the most important step! It prevents the meat from becoming dry and crumbly, helping it hold together perfectly in the taco.

Pin this recipe for your next Taco Tuesday!

2. Cheesy Beef Empanadas

This easy recipe for cheesy beef empanadas uses store-bought dough for a quick and delicious appetizer or main course. The savory beef filling combined with melty Monterey Jack cheese and briny green olives creates an irresistible flavor combination.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion (diced), 1/4 cup chopped green olives, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper to taste, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 package empanada discs (or pie crust cut into circles).
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the ground beef with the onion in a skillet; drain off the fat.
  2. Stir in the green olives, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
  3. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly, then stir in the shredded cheese until combined.
  4. Place a spoonful of filling onto each empanada disc. Fold the dough over, seal the edges with a fork, and brush the tops with an egg wash.
  5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until perfectly golden brown.

Pro Tip: Don’t overfill the empanadas. In my experience, leaving a good half-inch border around the edge is crucial. This ensures a tight seal so none of that delicious, cheesy filling leaks out while baking.

Save this perfect appetizer idea to your party food board!

3. Mexican Picadillo with Potatoes

Mexican Picadillo is a classic, hearty dish of ground beef and potatoes that is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on its own, with rice, or use it as a fantastic filling for tacos, gorditas, or chiles rellenos.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 large potato (peeled and finely diced), 2 carrots (finely diced), 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper, salt to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain the fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the finely diced potatoes and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes to give them a head start.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), cumin, pepper, and salt.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are perfectly tender.

Lesson Learned: The key to great picadillo is dicing the potatoes and carrots very small, about 1/4 inch. I learned this the hard way! This ensures they cook through at the same rate as the beef and, more importantly, absorb all the savory flavors of the sauce.

Pin this versatile recipe for tacos, burritos, or a simple bowl dinner!

4. Easy Ground Beef Burritos

This simple recipe creates hearty, filling homemade ground beef burritos that are perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Using pantry staples like canned refried beans and taco seasoning makes this dinner come together in a flash.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can refried beans, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup shredded cheese, 6 large flour tortillas, optional fillings (salsa, sour cream, lettuce).
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the ground beef according to the taco seasoning package directions.
  2. Gently warm the refried beans in a small pot or in the microwave.
  3. Warm the tortillas one by one in a dry skillet or microwave to make them soft and pliable.
  4. Assemble the burritos by layering refried beans, cooked rice, seasoned ground beef, and shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla.
  5. Fold in the sides first, then tightly roll up the burrito from the bottom. Serve immediately or pan-sear each side for a crispy exterior.

Pro Tip: For a low-carb option, skip the tortilla and serve the delicious ground beef filling, beans, and rice in a bowl. Top it with avocado, salsa, and cheese for a satisfying and easy burrito bowl.

Your new favorite weeknight dinner is one pin away!

5. Spicy Ground Beef Nachos

The ultimate platter of loaded nachos features layers of crispy chips, spicy ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. This shareable dish is perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or even a fun and easy dinner.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 large bag of tortilla chips, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, toppings (pickled jalapeños, diced onions, black olives, sour cream, guacamole).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ground beef according to the taco seasoning package directions.
  3. Spread the tortilla chips in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet.
  4. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the chips, followed by an even layer of the seasoned ground beef.
  5. Top with the remaining cheese and a generous amount of pickled jalapeños.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Top with your favorite cold toppings like sour cream and guacamole, and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: For perfectly layered nachos where every single chip has toppings, build them in two layers. Here’s how I do it: put down a layer of chips, half the toppings, then another layer of chips and the rest of the toppings. This simple trick avoids that sad pile of plain, naked chips at the bottom.

Perfect for game day! Save this crowd-pleasing recipe now!

6. Hearty Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)

This authentic one-pot Mexican meatball soup features tender, flavorful meatballs (albondigas) simmered in a rich, smoky beef and tomato broth. It’s a comforting and wholesome meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

• Ingredients:
  • For Meatballs: 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced).
  • For Soup: 6 cups beef broth, 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (sliced), 1 zucchini (chopped), fresh cilantro for garnish.
• Instructions:
  1. In a medium bowl, gently mix the ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, and minced garlic. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and chopped chipotle pepper to a rolling boil.
  3. Carefully drop the meatballs one by one into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped zucchini to the pot. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Lesson Learned: Adding uncooked rice directly into the meatball mixture is a traditional trick I picked up that makes all the difference. As the meatballs cook in the broth, the rice cooks too, making them incredibly tender and light. Don’t skip this step!

Pin this comforting soup recipe for a chilly evening!

7. Flavor-Packed Taco Salad

A great taco salad is a complete meal that’s fresh, hearty, and endlessly customizable. The combination of warm, seasoned ground beef with crisp lettuce and colorful toppings makes it a family favorite.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup corn (canned or frozen), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, Catalina or ranch dressing.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the ground beef according to the taco seasoning package directions.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
  3. Add the warm, seasoned ground beef directly to the salad bowl.
  4. Top everything with a generous amount of shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
  5. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and toss just before serving to combine all the flavors and textures.

Pro Tip: To prevent a soggy salad, I always keep the warm beef and the cool salad ingredients separate until the moment we’re ready to eat. Assembling individual bowls right at serving time is the best way to maintain that perfect crunchy texture.

Looking for a healthy dinner? Pin this recipe!

8. One-Pan Mexican Beef ‘N’ Rice Skillet

This quick, family-friendly dinner offers a complete meal in one pan with minimal cleanup. It’s a cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it a true weeknight champion.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 cup shredded cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the chili powder and cumin, cooking for a minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the uncooked rice, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover for 2 more minutes to let it melt, and serve directly from the skillet.

Pro Tip: Use a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles) instead of plain diced tomatoes. It’s my go-to shortcut for an instant boost of flavor and a little bit of heat without any extra chopping.

Pin this one-pan wonder for a no-fuss weeknight meal!

9. Layered Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

This comforting, make-ahead casserole features savory layers of seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese, all topped with crunchy Doritos. It’s a guaranteed hit that the whole family will love.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 can corn (drained), 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 can red enchilada sauce, 1 cup sour cream, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, 1 bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos (crushed).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
  2. Stir the corn, black beans, and half of the enchilada sauce into the cooked beef.
  3. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom.
  4. Create the layers: spread half of the beef mixture, followed by a layer of sour cream, and a layer of cheese. Repeat the layers one more time.
  5. Top the entire casserole with a generous layer of the crushed Doritos.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.

Lesson Learned: For the best crunchy topping, add the crushed Doritos in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. I learned that if you add them at the beginning, they can get a little soggy while the casserole heats through. This timing trick keeps them perfectly crisp.

Save this ultimate comfort food casserole for your next family dinner!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to ground beef recipes mexican

• Versatility is Key: Ground beef is the perfect base for a huge variety of Mexican dishes beyond tacos, including skillets, soups, casseroles, and empanadas.
• Flavor Comes from Seasoning: Ditch the packet and create authentic flavor by simmering your beef with ingredients like cumin, chili powder, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce.
• One-Pan Wonders Save Time: Recipes like the Mexican Beef ‘N’ Rice Skillet are perfect for busy weeknights, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
• Get Creative with Leftovers: Leftover seasoned ground beef can be used for nachos, taco salads, or burrito bowls the next day, making meal prep a breeze.

People Also Ask About ground beef recipes mexican

How do Mexicans season ground beef?

Authentic Mexican seasoning for ground beef often involves sautéing the beef with aromatics like white onion and garlic, then simmering it with spices such as cumin, Mexican oregano, and a touch of chili powder. Tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes are frequently added to create a saucy, less crumbly texture that’s full of flavor.

What can I make with ground beef besides tacos?

Ground beef is incredibly versatile in Mexican cooking and can be used to make Picadillo (a beef and potato hash), fillings for empanadas or burritos, Albondigas (meatball) soup, layered casseroles, loaded nachos, and one-pan skillet meals with rice and beans.

Why is Mexican restaurant ground beef so good?

Mexican restaurant ground beef often has a finer, softer texture because it’s simmered slowly in a liquid, like a tomato-based broth or water, along with seasonings. This process tenderizes the meat, prevents it from becoming dry and crumbly, and allows it to absorb much more flavor, creating a consistency that holds together perfectly.

What is ground beef called in Mexican food?

In Mexican cuisine, ground beef is typically referred to as “carne molida,” which literally translates to “ground meat.” A specific and popular dish made with ground beef and potatoes is called “Picadillo.” The name can vary depending on the specific preparation and region.

Final Thoughts

With these 9 easy and delicious recipes, you’re ready to break out of your dinner rut and bring exciting new flavors to your table. From a 30-minute skillet meal to a comforting, make-ahead casserole, there’s a perfect Mexican ground beef recipe for any night of the week.

There’s no need to feel uninspired by that package of ground beef ever again. Embrace the versatility and flavor, and make your next weeknight dinner something special.

Which one are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below