Tacos are a favorite around the world, partly because you can make them with so many different fillings, including ground beef.
When I’m planning to make tacos, I always consider the serving sizes to figure out how much ground beef I’ll need.
For each taco, I usually use about 2-3 ounces of ground beef. If I’m making smaller tacos, I stick to 2 ounces per taco. For bigger ones, I go up to 3 ounces.
The amount of beef needed can depend on a few things like the type of taco, the size of the shells, and what my guests prefer.
Soft shell tacos tend to hold more filling than hard shells. And of course, larger shells will need more beef.
Everyone’s different—some people might want more meat in their tacos, and others less.
Calculating Ground Beef Per Taco
To calculate the amount of ground beef per taco, consider the size of your taco shells and the appetite of your guests.
A good rule of thumb is to start with 2-3 ounces of ground beef per taco.
- Small tacos: Start with 2 ounces of ground beef.
- Large tacos: Use up to 3 ounces of ground beef.
Adjusting for Toppings and Fillings
Remember to adjust the amount of ground beef based on the number of other toppings and fillings.
If you’re using a variety of toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, you might need less ground beef.
- Many toppings: Reduce the ground beef slightly.
- Few toppings: Stick to the higher end of the meat portion.
Ground Beef Per Person
On average, a person eats about 3-4 tacos in a meal. This means you’ll need about 6-12 ounces of ground beef per person, depending on the taco size and the individual’s appetite.
- Light eaters: Plan for about 6 ounces of ground beef.
- Hearty eaters: Prepare up to 12 ounces of ground beef.
Considering Dietary Preferences
It’s important to consider the dietary preferences of your guests. Some might prefer more meat, while others might opt for a lighter meal or have dietary restrictions.
- Meat lovers: They might consume more ground beef per taco.
- Dietary restrictions: Adjust the amount of ground beef accordingly.
Recipe with Nutritional Value
- Ground beef (80% lean): 1 lb
- Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Taco shells: 12
- Shredded lettuce: 1 cup
- Diced tomatoes: 1 cup
- Shredded cheese: 1 cup
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
Nutritional Value (per taco)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |