Trader Joes Tacos Recipe

This crispy savory Trader Joes Tacos Recipe is made with ground beef, taco seasoning, and corn shells and ready in 20 minutes. The hot spiced meat bubbles together with the rich seasoning before filling crunchy shells with melting cheese. I rely on this quick meal for busy weeknights when cooking feels impossible.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to overcomplicate taco night by making my own spice blends from scratch. I quickly realized that using pre-made seasoning from the store saves precious time without sacrificing flavor.

The real trick here is letting the beef simmer with the spices and a splash of water until it thickens. It coats the meat perfectly and prevents soggy taco shells.

Trader Joes Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb Trader Joe’s Organic Ground Beef
• 1 packet (1.25 oz) Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 package (12 count) Trader Joe’s Organic Taco Shells
• 1 cup Trader Joe’s Shredded Mexican Style Cheese Blend
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Pico de Gallo Salsa
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

How To Make Trader Joes Tacos Recipe

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for 7 minutes until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
2. Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the cooked beef and pour in the water. Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer the meat: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
4. Warm the shells: Place the taco shells on a baking sheet and bake at 350F for 3 minutes until crisp and fragrant.
5. Assemble the tacos: Fill each warm shell with a scoop of the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

Recipe Tips

• Drain the fat: Removing excess grease prevents the seasoning from sliding off the meat.
• Warm the shells: Baking the shells briefly makes them crunchier and less likely to split.
• Customize the heat: Use half the seasoning packet if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

What To Serve With Tacos

I always serve these crispy tacos with a side of black beans and cilantro lime rice. A simple avocado salad dressed with lime juice also cuts through the rich, seasoned beef nicely.

How To Store

Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the shells and toppings in separate containers to avoid sogginess. Freeze the cooked beef for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before reheating on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly with this seasoning. You might need to add a teaspoon of olive oil when browning since it is leaner.

Are the taco shells gluten-free?

The corn taco shells from this brand are naturally gluten-free. Always check the packaging to be absolutely certain.

How do I stop the shells from breaking?

Warming them in the oven before filling makes them more pliable. Do not overfill them with meat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18g
• Protein: 22g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Birria Tacos Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Copycat Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Rosemary Balsamic Beef Tips

Trader Joes Tacos Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Crispy and savory, this Trader Joes Tacos Recipe uses organic ground beef, rich taco seasoning, and crunchy corn shells in just 20 minutes. It is a fast, satisfying dinner solution that brings an easy, family friendly meal to your table on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Trader Joe’s Organic Ground Beef

• 1 packet (1.25 oz) Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 package (12 count) Trader Joe’s Organic Taco Shells

• 1 cup Trader Joe’s Shredded Mexican Style Cheese Blend

• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Pico de Gallo Salsa

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

Directions

• 1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for 7 minutes until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
• 2. Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the cooked beef and pour in the water. Stir well to combine.
• 3. Simmer the meat: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
• 4. Warm the shells: Place the taco shells on a baking sheet and bake at 350F for 3 minutes until crisp and fragrant.
• 5. Assemble the tacos: Fill each warm shell with a scoop of the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa.