Are wondering how much hamburger meat per person for tacos to plan on when making this delicious dish? Ground beef tacos are a classic dish that everyone should know how to make. Not only are they easy and quick to prepare, but they’re also affordable and versatile. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to figure out the perfect amount of ground beef to use per person for tacos, so you can enjoy this delicious meal any time you want. Let’s get started!
Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef is a classic choice for tacos – and for good reason! This meat is a versatile meat that is easy to cook and (most importantly) delicious. But how much taco meat should you use per person?
This works for beef, chicken, and pork too!
How Much Hamburger Meat Per Person for Tacos?
A good rule of thumb is to use 1/2 pound of ground beef per person. This will give you enough ground beef for 2-3 tacos per person, depending on the size of your taco shells.
The average person uses about 1/2 a cup or 3-4 ounces of beef per tortilla. If you’re feeding a large crowd, you can always increase the amount of ground beef per person. And if you want to stretch your ground beef further, you can add in some chopped vegetables, we like to use chopped onions.
Is 1lb of ground beef enough for 2 people?
Yes. One pound of meat will yield about 4 tacos. You can also calculate how much meat you will need by figuring how many tacos you want to make. Erring on the side of caution, use 3 tacos per person for a party.
This will make sure you have enough for everyone as some people have bigger appetites. Multiply 3 tacos by the number of people you expect to have. Then divide by 4 to get the number of pounds of ground beef you will need.
What to do with leftover taco meat?
We typically purchase 3 or 4 pounds of ground beef for taco night. You can always use freezer bags and freeze the extra as you can always use ground beef for sloppy joes, taco salad, hamburgers, and more!
What type of meat or ground beef to use for tacos?
Usually, 80% or higher lean ground beef is best for making tacos. Our family has found that the leaner beef is better for making tacos because you do not have to drain it as much and it will not seep through and break your tortillas. No one wants a taco that falls apart right away!
What toppings are good on tacos?
There are endless topping choices for tacos, but here are a few common taco fillings to enjoy.
- sour cream
- tomatoes
- pico de gallo
- cheddar cheese
- iceberg lettuce
- taco sauce
- salsa
- chopped onions
- bell peppers
How to cook hamburger for a crowd?
It is not as hard as you may think to make hamburger for a larger crowd. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Slow Cooker. An easy ground beef cooking method is using a slow cooker. We like to use a slow cooker big enough to handle the amount of raw ground beef needed and leave it on low for 6 to 8 hours. Make sure to break up the ground beef several times throughout the cooking process so that it is a crumbly consistency. You can also cook hamburger this way and freeze it to use in a lot of other dishes.
Skillet. Add a family-size package of ground meat to a large 12-inch skillet. Cook the meat breaking it up as it cooks. If needed, do this in batches. If you will not be serving for a while or to keep warm for a party, add the cooked meat to a slow cooker and keep it on low. Pro Tip. Make this ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat when ready to serve.
Should I season taco meat?
Seasoning is not necessary on taco meat if you are going to use seasoned toppings such as taco sauce.
In fact, our homemade tacos do not have seasoned taco meat and our family prefers it that way. It leaves room for people to make their own tacos more or less spicy.
The beauty of being a home chef is you can add as much taco seasoning as your family prefers. Here are some great options to add in to make your taco meat flavorful, taco seasoning, chili powder, onion powder, tomato sauce or tomato paste, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
Sides dishes for tacos
When it comes to sides for tacos, there are many delicious options to choose from. Refried beans and Spanish rice are two classics that pair perfectly with tacos, but there are also many other tasty sides to choose from.
For a lighter option, try a simple salad with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Or, for something heartier, try black beans or lentils.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider making a sweet potato fry or a roasted corn salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own salsa or guacamole. No matter what sides you choose, they’re sure to add flavor and interest to your tacos.
A few of our favorite homemade salsas
What size of tortilla for tacos?
The standard size for a taco shell is 8 inches, but there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the size of tortilla for tacos. It all depends on personal preference.
Some people prefer a small shell, like the 5-inch tortillas as it is easier to eat and handle. Others prefer a large tortilla, as it allows for more filling and toppings.
There are also those who prefer a medium-sized tortilla, as it strikes a balance between the two extremes.
Ultimately, the best tortilla size for tacos is the one that you enjoy the most. So, experiment with different sizes until you find the perfect fit for your taste.
Make Mini Taco Appetizers
Use Wonton wrappers and a cupcake tray to make these Wonton Taco Cups.
Hard shell vs soft shell tacos
It’s a hard shell vs soft shell debate as old as time itself… or at least as old as tacos. Some people swear by hard shells, while others are adamant that soft shells are the only way to go. So, which is the right choice for you? Let’s take a closer look at hard shell and soft shell tacos to find out.
Hard shell tacos are typically made with corn tortillas that are fried until they’re crispy. This gives them a satisfying crunch that some people can’t get enough of. Plus, hard shell tacos tend to be less messy than soft shell tacos, making them ideal for on-the-go eating. However, hard shell tacos can sometimes be difficult to bite into, and the fried tortillas can make them quite greasy.
Soft shell tacos, on the other hand, are made with flour tortillas that are simply heated until they’re pliable. This makes them much easier to eat, and many people find that they don’t make as much of a mess. Soft shell tacos also tend to be more flavorful than hard shell tacos, as the tortillas absorb more of the fillings. However, soft shell tacos can often be quite delicate and may fall apart more easily than their hard counterparts.
Frying the Shells
My family has come to a very tasty middle ground for taco shells. We fry our soft tortilla in oil first, making it a little crunchy, but still flexible so it does not break easily. It is the best of both worlds and the extra fat from the oil adds a yummy layer of flavor to the taco. Here is our family Ground Beef Tacos Recipe.
Tacos are always a hit at parties, and they’re so easy to make! All you need is some ground beef, your favorite taco toppings, and a few minutes in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them up for Cinco de Mayo or just because, tacos are the perfect party food for your next tailgate event or big party. So, get out your skillet and start cooking – these delicious tacos will be ready before you know it!
How Much Hamburger Meat Per Person for Tacos?
Kitchen Essentials
Materials
- Hamburger Meat
- Shredded Chicken
- Shredded Pork
Instructions
- A good rule of thumb is to use 1/2 pound of ground beef per person. This will give you enough ground beef for 2-3 tacos per person, depending on the size of your taco shells.
- The average person uses about 1/2 a cup or 3-4 ounces of beef per tortilla.
