Trader Joes Taco Recipe

This crunchy savory Trader Joes Taco Recipe is made with organic ground beef and ready in 20 minutes. The rich meat bubbles in a robust spice blend until a thick sauce coats every bite perfectly. I always keep these exact items in my pantry for quick dinners.

What I Learned Making This

When I first started cooking weeknight meals, I assumed I had to make everything from scratch. I tried mixing my own spices but it often fell flat or took too much time.

Relying on specific store-bought staples changed my entire routine. The seasoning packets from this specific store provide incredible depth, teaching me that smart shortcuts create consistently great dinners.

Trader Joes Taco Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb Trader Joe’s Organic Ground Beef (85/15)
• 1 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 box Trader Joe’s Organic Hard Taco Shells (12 shells)
• 1 cup Trader Joe’s Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Organic Chunky Salsa

How To Make Trader Joes Taco Recipe

1. Brown The Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully spoon out most of the liquid grease from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon for flavor.
3. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix evenly over the cooked meat. Pour in the water and stir well to combine.
4. Simmer The Meat: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
5. Warm The Shells: Heat the taco shells in the oven at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp.
6. Assemble Tacos: Spoon the hot beef into the warm shells, then top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Warm your shells: Heating the shells prevents them from shattering as soon as you take a bite.
• Do not skip the water: The liquid activates the starches in the seasoning packet to create a thick sauce.
• Prep toppings early: Chop your lettuce and gather your salsa while the meat simmers to save time.

What To Serve With Tacos

These crispy shells pair wonderfully with a simple side of black beans and cilantro lime rice. You can also offer a large bowl of tortilla chips with fresh guacamole to complete the meal.

How To Store

Store the cooked taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze the cooled meat for up to 3 months. Keep taco shells and cold toppings separate until you are ready to eat.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this dish. You might need to add a splash of olive oil since turkey is leaner.
• Is the store brand seasoning very spicy? The seasoning blend has a mild kick but is generally safe for people who prefer moderate heat. Add red pepper flakes if you want more spice.
• Can I make the meat ahead of time? Absolutely. You can cook the seasoned meat a day in advance and gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of water.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Protein: 22g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
• Trader Joes Tacos Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Birria Tacos Recipe

Trader Joes Taco Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Crunchy savory Trader Joes Taco Recipe filled with spiced organic ground beef and cheese, ready in 20 minutes. Relying on pre-mixed spices and simple pantry staples makes this the ultimate low-effort weeknight dinner for busy families.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Trader Joe’s Organic Ground Beef (85/15)

• 1 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix

• 3/4 cup water

• 1 box Trader Joe’s Organic Hard Taco Shells (12 shells)

• 1 cup Trader Joe’s Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Organic Chunky Salsa

Directions

• 1. Brown The Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned.
• 2. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully spoon out most of the liquid grease from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon for flavor.
• 3. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix evenly over the cooked meat. Pour in the water and stir well to combine.
• 4. Simmer The Meat: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
• 5. Warm The Shells: Heat the taco shells in the oven at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp.
• 6. Assemble Tacos: Spoon the hot beef into the warm shells, then top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa before serving.