How to Make Tacos

There’s a reason tacos are a go-to favorite any day of the week. If you’ve never made them before, the idea of trying a new cuisine might feel intimidating—but don’t worry! Tacos are surprisingly simple and come together in just a few easy steps. We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing the perfect taco meat to assembling the perfect taco with seasonings your whole family will love.

Step 1: Choose Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather the essentials:

Step 2: How to Make Taco Meat

The secret to delicious tacos starts with well-seasoned meat. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
2. Brown your protein by cooking ground beef, chicken, or turkey until fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Season it up! Stir in Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix (or go bold with Chili Lime Seasoning) and follow the package directions, typically adding water and simmering until the flavors mesh together.

Step 3: Assemble Your Tacos

Now for the fun part—building your tacos! Follow these steps:

1. Warm your tortillas in a dry pan, oven, or microwave to make them extra delicious. You can either use soft taco shells or crunchy shells depending on your preference. 
2. Layer your meat first. It’s the heaviest and will make sure your taco has a delicious foundation
3. Add toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and onions. For those who like spice, jalapenos add a nice kick!

Drizzle with taco sauce for extra kick. Our favorites are Ortega Mild Green Taco Sauce or Ortega Medium Taco Sauce for the perfect finish.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Tacos are meant to be enjoyed however you like them. Whether you’re making classic beef tacos or experimenting with new flavors, Ortega’s seasonings and sauces make it easy to create great-quality tacos at home. Want to simplify the process even more? Grab an Ortega Taco Dinner Kit for everything you need in one convenient package (meat sold separately).

Now that you know how to make tacos, it’s time to get cooking!