Discover the savory goodness of this easy ground pork tacos recipe. They are a delicious combination of tender meat, spices, and fresh ingredients.
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With a contrast of flavors and textures, these tacos are sure to satisfy. Each bite is bursting with delicious flavors from the seasoned ground pork, salsa, and fresh crisp vegetables plus the addition of cheddar cheese.
If you love our slow cooker chicken tacos and want to try something new, these ground pork tacos are an irresistible choice. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this mouthwatering dish.
Reasons to Love
- Flavorful and Versatile. Ground pork is naturally flavorful and readily absorbs the taco seasoning and spices, making it a perfect canvas for creating various taco flavors, from mild and savory to spicy and bold.
- Quick and Easy: Cooking ground pork quickly and easily makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal preparations.
- Budget-Friendly. Ground pork is an excellent choice if you're looking for an affordable yet tasty option for your taco fillings. It's often more economical than other meats like beef.
- Texture. Ground pork's satisfying, slightly crumbly texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft taco shell and other toppings.
- Customizable: You can customize the tacos to suit your taste by adding your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and more.
Ingredients
The great thing about this recipe is that it's made with simple ingredients that don't cost much. High-quality ground pork is essential for the best flvor.
Here is the full list of items you'll need for the recipe:
- lean ground pork
- red onion
- garlic
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- dried oregano
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- mini tortillas
- avocado salsa (or guacamole)
- red onion
- red cabbage
- tomato
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
It's easier than you think to make ground pork tacos! Just follow the simple step-by-step instructions to make this recipe and you'll enjoy mouthwatering tacos in no time.
Warm each side of mini tortillas for 30 seconds to 1 minute in a heated large skillet over medium heat. Set aside.
Place lean ground pork in the same heated skillet. Brown ground pork. Drain excess oil. Transfer browned ground pork into a plate.
Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet. Sauté red onions for 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add browned ground pork with red onions and garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Break up the lumps into small pieces. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
Mix seasonings in well. Simmer for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Set aside.
Place 1 warmed mini tortilla on a plate.
Add a dollop of avocado salsa and spread, leaving ¼ of an inch from the rim.
Add 5 to 6 tablespoons of seasoned ground pork.
Top with red cabbage, red onions, and tomatoes.
Grate cheddar cheese on top. Sprinkle with optional cilantro.
Serve with a lime wedge and sprinkle with optional cilantro if desired.
Hint: Before you start seasoning your ground pork for tacos, make sure to brown it properly. Heat a skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add the ground pork. Break it into smaller pieces using a spatula or spoon and let it cook without stirring for a few minutes to develop a nice sear and color. Once you see the edges of the pork turning golden brown, flip and break it up further to ensure even cooking. Continue to cook until it's no longer pink and has a slightly crispy texture.
Variations
Want to take your tacos with ground pork to the next level? Plenty of options can enhance the flavors and make your tacos even more delicious. Here are a few examples:
- Black beans - adding black beans as a filling option ups the taste and nutrition value.
- Change the meat - you can use shredded pork tenderloin or try ground beef for beef tacos.
- Tortilla options - crispy corn shells are the traditional choice in Mexican cuisine and offer a satisfying crunch. For a lighter low-carb alternative, you can use lettuce wraps.
- Spicy - spice up your tacos with jalapeños, hot sauce, or tangy salsa.
- Sweet - add pineapple salsa to your pork tacos. Top it off with some cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and you have a tropical twist on the classic taco.
- Asian - marinate the ground pork in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for at least an hour before cooking. Sauté it until browned and crispy, then serve it in tortillas with pickled vegetables like cucumbers or radishes for crunch. Drizzle some spicy gochujang sauce over the top for a mouthwatering fusion experience.
- Casserole - mix the meat with pasta and cheese for an easy, delicious taco pasta bake.
You can also add some baked tortilla strips for added crunch.
Tips
Top tip: To achieve a flavor-packed ground pork taco filling, remember to balance savory and acidic elements. While cooking the ground meat with the seasonings, consider adding ingredients like diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or a splash of lime juice. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings, salt, and acidity to your preference to achieve that perfect flavor equilibrium."
- Don't skimp on the seasoning: Ground pork can sometimes be bland on its own, so it's crucial to up the flavor profile with the right seasonings. Experiment with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano to create a rich and complex base for your tacos. Additionally, adding a splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar can help balance out the flavors and bring brightness to each bite.
- The technique matters: To achieve perfectly cooked ground pork that is both juicy and crispy, start by browning it in a hot skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Break up any clumps with a spatula and allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until you see some caramelization forming. This will not only enhance the taste but also give your tacos an appealing texture. Remember to drain any excess fat after cooking if desired.
Serving suggestions
While the classic combination of taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream is always delicious, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Consider adding a twist by using pickled red onions for a tangy kick or topping your tacos with sliced avocado for an extra creamy texture.
If you want to amp up the flavors even further, experimenting with different types of salsas can make all the difference. A smoky chipotle salsa can add some heat and depth of flavor, while a refreshing pineapple salsa can balance out the richness of the pork.
Don't forget about the tortillas themselves! While corn tortillas are traditionally used in Mexican cuisine, feel free to experiment with flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a lighter alternative. The choice of tortilla can greatly influence the overall flavor profile of your taco creation.
Storage
Place the tacos in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap once cooled. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Pork taco meat freezes well if you need to store it for a longer time. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. The meat will keep for up to 3 months when frozen.
Related Recipes
Want to try more of our Mexican-inspired recipes? Here are a few more favorites:
- Wet burrito is filled with delicious ingredients and smothered in sauce.
- Beef queso dip is the ultimate cheesy delight to serve with tortilla chips.
- Quesadillas de carne asada combines tender steak with melty cheese.
- Chipotle chicken avocado melt is an easy restaurant favorite you can make at home.
- Steak pizza is made with leftover Mexican marinated beef.
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Recipe
Ground Pork Tacos
Ingredients
GROUND PORK:
- ⅔ pound lean ground pork about 300 grams
- ½ piece chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- pinch of kosher salt
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
FOR SERVING:
- 4 mini tortillas
- 4 tablespoons avocado salsa
- ½ thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ slice shredded red cabbage
- ½ chopped tomato
- ¼ cup freshly shredded cheese Mexican cheese or cheddar
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro optional
Instructions
- In a heated skillet, warm each side of mini tortillas for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Set aside.
- Place lean ground pork in the same heated skillet. Brown ground pork. Drain excess oil. Transfer browned ground pork into a plate.
- Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet. Sauté red onions for 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add browned ground pork with red onions and garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Break up the lumps into small pieces.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Mix well. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Set aside.
- Assemble tacos. Place 1 warmed mini tortilla on a plate. Add a dollop of avocado salsa and spread, leaving ¼ of an inch from the rim. Add 5 to 6 tablespoons of seasoned ground pork. Top with red cabbage, red onions, and tomatoes. Grate cheddar cheese on top. Sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve with a lime wedge.
Dylan
I never say NO to a taco recipe. Always excited to try something new. I love the combination of spices and fresh ingredients. So delicious!
Maya
I made this yesterday as my friends visited and it was a hit! We cleared up our plates in no time! The blend of spices was amazing too! I'm definitely trying this with lettuce wraps this weekend.
Kyla
This is one of the best Mexican recipes I’ve ever tried! I served it to my family and they really loved it, too.
I’ll be making some more this weekend but this time I’ll be using chicken. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Nicole
SO flavorful! I used store bought salsa and guac and they were incredible. Our family absolutely loved them!
Freda
We live out in the country and raised/butchered a few pigs so our freezer is packed with ground pork right now. And it's a good thing because I LOVED these tacos so much I think I could eat a million of them.