Tasty Mexican Ground Beef Recipes for Any Occasion
What Are the Best Mexican Ground Beef Recipes?
💡 PLENTY! – Mexican ground beef recipes like Albondigas, Picadillo, easy burritos, taco salad, and spicy beef taquitos are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for quick dinners. These dishes use pantry staples and fresh toppings for bold, satisfying meals you can whip up any night of the week.
Mexican ground beef recipes are simple, flavorful dishes made with seasoned ground beef as the main ingredient.
These meals often include classic spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, paired with fresh toppings such as salsa, cilantro, and cheese.
They’re known for being easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Some popular examples include albondigas, Mexican meatballs, beef picadillo, ground beef burritos, and spicy beef nachos.
These recipes can be served in many ways inside tacos, rolled in tortillas, layered in bowls, or even baked in casseroles.
In this post, we’ll go through 12 different Mexican ground beef recipes you can try at home. You’ll find classic favorites, quick weeknight options, and a few dishes with a spicy twist.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for one, there’s something here for every craving.
Table of Contents:
12 Mexican Ground Beef Recipes
This collection of 12 Mexican ground beef recipes offers a mix of comforting classics and quick, bold dishes.
From rich stews to crispy taquitos and loaded nachos, each recipe brings simple ingredients and vibrant flavors together for easy, satisfying meals you’ll want to make again.
1. Albondigas Mexican Meatballs
Albondigas are tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich broth made with canned tomatoes, spices, and fresh herbs. This classic cuisine Mexican dish uses simple pantry staples like kosher salt and onion powder for seasoning.
Cook them gently over medium-low heat until tender and juicy. Naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, they’re an easy and delicious weeknight meal. Serve them with rice or warm tortillas for a comforting, satisfying dinner.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 381 kcal
- Total fat: 11 grams
- Net carbs: 6 grams
- Protein: 13 grams
2. Albondigas Soup
Albondigas soup is a comforting, brothy dish filled with juicy meatballs, vegetables, and rich flavors.
Start by browning the meatballs, then drain any excess fat before adding broth, veggies, and a spoonful of tomato paste for depth.
Simmer over medium-high heat until everything’s tender, letting the flavors blend for a few more minutes. This great recipe is naturally dairy free, though a swirl of sour cream on top adds a creamy, tangy finish if you’d like.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Total fat: 6.8 grams
- Net carbs: 15 grams
- Protein: 7.8 grams
3. Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are golden, crispy pockets of goodness you’ll crave after just one bite.
Made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a hint of spice, these handheld treats are perfect for snacking or a casual dinner.
The flaky pastry wraps around the savory filling, creating a satisfying contrast of textures. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a side of sour cream for dipping, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Total fat: 14 grams
- Net carbs: 20 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
4. Beef Picadillo
Beef Picadillo is a sweet-and-savory ground beef dish simmered with tomatoes, olives, raisins, and spices. It’s perfect served over white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Top it with fresh pico de gallo for extra brightness. This dish is a hit with the whole family, offering bold flavors everyone loves.
Check the recipe card for simple steps and nutrition calories details. Don’t forget to leave your feedback in the required recipe ratings after trying it out!
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 189 kcal
- Total fat: 34 grams
- Net carbs: 18 grams
- Protein: 43 grams
5. Easy Ground Beef Burritos
Easy ground beef burritos are a go-to when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Seasoned ground beef is cooked with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic, then wrapped in a soft tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
You can keep them simple or load them up with extras like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a grab-and-go lunch that doesn’t disappoint.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 972 kcal
- Total fat: 43 grams
- Net carbs: 57 grams
- Protein: 39 grams
6. Easy Taco Salad
Easy taco salad is a fresh, crunchy meal layered with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, and juicy tomatoes.
It’s made even better with homemade taco seasoning, a splash of lime juice, and toppings like rinsed black beans, green chiles, sliced black olives, and fresh cilantro.
For extra flavor and crunch, toss in some diced onion or chopped onion. This salad is quick to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 846 kcal
- Total fat: 20 grams
- Net carbs: 20 grams
- Protein: 11 grams
7. Ground Beef Chile Con Carne
Ground beef chile con carne is a hearty, bold stew made with ground beef, tomatoes, chili powder, and a mix of spices.
It’s simmered low and slow until rich and deeply flavorful. Some versions include beans, while others keep it classic with just meat and sauce.
Serve it with warm tortillas, cornbread, or over rice for a filling, comforting meal. It’s the kind of dish that gets even better the next day.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 522 kcal
- Total fat: 24 grams
- Net carbs: 18 grams
- Protein: 21 grams
8. Ground Beef Tostadas
Ground beef tostadas are crisp, open-faced tortillas topped with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and melty cheese.
Quick to make and easy to customize, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Add refried beans as a base or drizzle with sour cream and hot sauce for extra flavor.
The crunchy shell paired with the warm, spiced beef makes every bite satisfying and fun to eat.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Total fat: 18 grams
- Net carbs: 8.6 grams
- Protein: 17 grams
9. Picadillo Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Picadillo stuffed poblano peppers take tender roasted poblanos and fill them with a flavorful mix of lean ground beef, tomatoes, onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, raisins, and olives.
You can even swap the beef for ground chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Seasoned with salt and pepper and sautéed in a little olive oil, the sweet-and-savory filling pairs perfectly with the smoky, mild heat of the green pepper.
Topped with cheese or a simple tomato sauce, these stuffed peppers make a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 402 kcal
- Total fat: 14 grams
- Net carbs: 16 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
10. Quick Ground Beef Bowl
This ground beef dinner is a fast, flavorful way to bring Mexican cuisine to your table. Brown beef in a skillet, then toss in diced tomatoes, pinto beans, and your favorite seasonings.
You can swap the beef for ground turkey if you’d like a leaner option. Top the bowl with green onion, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
It’s one of those easy, one-pan meals made with simple ingredients ground beef lovers always keep on hand, like canned beans and spices.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 491 kcal
- Total fat: 0.5 grams
- Net carbs: 85 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
11. Spicy Beef Taquitos
Spicy beef taquitos are crispy, rolled tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef and a kick of heat from chili powder and jalapeños.
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for sharing or a fun dinner. Bake or fry them until golden and crunchy, then serve with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
They’re addictive, flavorful, and bring a satisfying crunch to every bite, ideal for anyone who loves a little spice in their meal.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 626 kcal
- Total fat: 13 grams
- Net carbs: 30 grams
- Protein: 14 grams
12. Spicy Ground Beef Nachos
Spicy ground beef nachos are a crowd-pleasing favorite, loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, jalapeños, and plenty of bold toppings.
Crispy tortilla chips hold the spicy beef and a mix of beans, tomatoes, and onions, creating layers of flavor and texture.
Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, these nachos deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite, balanced by creamy guacamole or sour cream to cool the heat.
Nutrition facts:
- Calories: 774 kcal
- Total fat: 44 grams
- Net carbs: 57 grams
- Protein: 32 grams
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Mexican Restaurants Get Their Ground Beef So Tender?
Mexican restaurants often achieve tender ground beef by cooking it low and slow with added broth or water. This helps break down the meat’s fibers while keeping it moist. They’ll also stir frequently and use finely ground beef for a soft, even texture.
What Is the Secret to Tender Ground Beef?
The secret to tender ground beef lies in proper cooking technique. Cooking it over medium heat and avoiding overcooking helps keep it juicy. Adding a bit of fat, like oil or butter, and simmering the beef with liquids, such as broth, can also enhance its tenderness.
What Spices to Use for Mexican Beef?
Classic Mexican beef gets its bold flavor from spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Some recipes add cinnamon, coriander, or cayenne for extra warmth or heat. These spices create rich, earthy, and slightly smoky flavors that define traditional Mexican-style ground beef.
Final Thoughts
Mexican ground beef recipes offer a world of flavor with minimal effort. From hearty soups to crispy taquitos, each dish brings something unique to the table.
Whether you’re cooking taco meat in a large skillet, stuffing corn tortillas, or adding a twist with sweet potatoes or green chilis, there’s a recipe for every craving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Be sure to review recipe and leave your recipe rating. Your feedback matters!
For more inspiration and tips, head over to our website and discover even more ways to bring bold flavor to your kitchen.