Stopping by Trader Joe’s and need a fast dinner idea? These ground beef Trader Joe’s tacos are affordable, easy to prepare, and ready in about 15 minutes.
This recipe also includes simple swaps to make it gluten-free or vegetarian using Trader Joe’s products.
Ground beef tacos were a weekday staple in my family when I was growing up—quick, satisfying, and something everyone enjoyed. They remain a regular on our dinner rotation because they’re fast to make and customizable. When I need a no-fuss meal, I pick up a few items from Trader Joe’s and put together these simple tacos: seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas, shredded cheese, crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, and a spoonful of Trader Joe’s Hatch Chili Salsa if you like an extra kick.
Before I started mixing my own taco seasoning, I relied on Trader Joe’s taco seasoning packets for convenience. The seasoning is straightforward, gluten free, and made without artificial ingredients or preservatives, which makes it an easy pantry solution for busy evenings.
Ingredients for Trader Joe’s Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with Trader Joe’s soy chorizo for a vegetarian version)
- Taco seasoning packet (Trader Joe’s taco seasoning or your preferred blend)
- Flour tortillas (Trader Joe’s Truly Handmade Flour Tortillas are a great option)
- Shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Tomato, diced
- Jalapeño, minced
- Red onion, diced
- Optional toppings: Trader Joe’s Hatch Chili Salsa, sliced avocado, sour cream
- To make gluten free: use corn tortillas or crispy taco shells instead of flour tortillas
How to make Ground Beef Tacos
- Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup water. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Warm the flour tortillas. A quick method is to wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 45 seconds, or heat them briefly on a hot skillet.
- Assemble the tacos by spooning the seasoned beef into warmed tortillas, then topping with shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapeño.
- Add optional toppings such as avocado slices, hatch chili salsa, or a dollop of sour cream to finish.
Quick tip: Trader Joe’s taco seasoning has a noticeable kick. I usually use the whole packet, but you can halve the amount to reduce the spice level if you prefer a milder taco.
Does Trader Joe’s have taco shells?
Yes—Trader Joe’s offers taco shells and corn tortillas that are both tasty and gluten free. Swapping flour tortillas for corn shells is an easy way to make these ground beef tacos gluten free without compromising flavor or texture.
More quick and easy taco ideas
- Greek-style turkey tacos with cucumber and tzatziki
- Chipotle lime carne asada tacos
- Buffalo cauliflower tacos for a vegetarian twist
- Pressure-cooker shredded chicken tacos
- Buffalo shrimp tacos for a seafood option
Trader Joe’s Ground Beef Tacos — Recipe Card
Trader Joe’s Ground Beef Tacos
Simple, budget-friendly tacos made with a Trader Joe’s taco seasoning packet and easy, fresh toppings. Ready in about 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 8 tacos
Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet (about 1.3 oz)
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- 1 cup Mexican-style shredded cheese
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Optional: sour cream, salsa, avocado slices
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Drain the excess grease, then return the skillet to low heat.
- Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water to the beef, stir to combine, and simmer for 4–5 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 45 seconds, or warm them briefly in a skillet.
- Spoon the seasoned beef into each tortilla, then top with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapeño.
- Add any optional toppings you like—avocado, hatch chili salsa, or sour cream work great.
Notes
- Gluten-free option: Use corn tortillas or crispy taco shells instead of flour tortillas.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute Trader Joe’s soy chorizo or another meat-free protein for the ground beef.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 303 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 17 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 54 mg | Sodium: 715 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g
These Trader Joe’s ground beef tacos are a reliable, easy-to-shop-for dinner that delivers on flavor without a lot of prep. Personalize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a quick meal the whole family will love.
