Simple Nightshade-Free Ground Beef Tacos
If you’ve been craving tacos, but can’t have nightshades, this nightshade free meal is for you! With a simple NSF taco seasoning, and an easy make-ahead salsa, you can have THE BEST flavored tacos in 25 minutes. I’ve made these hundreds of times, for family who doesn’t even know what nightshades are, and they always get rave reviews. All without any nightshades or gluten.
This blog post contains affiliate links.
My husband doesn’t do a lot of cooking, but I have to credit these tacos to him. He started making this recipe one night. It was so good, my oldest son named it “Dad’s tacos,” and even requested it at his school Thanksgiving party (in writing- like he wrote down that he would bring “Dad’s tacos” to the party).
It’s so incredibly simple, but a recipe you’ll want in your weekly rotation (like my family). Leftovers, if you have them, can be thrown into a chili (nightshade free recipe coming soon!), made into combo burritos with beans and rice, or eaten on a salad.
With only three simple ingredients, and less than 30 minutes, this is a recipe to keep for busy nights. It’s so full of flavor. You won’t even think about nightshades. Layer your tacos with plenty of toppings, and switch it up based on what you have on hand. You can’t go wrong.
Like every recipe on this site, these tacos are nightshade free, but truly, you wouldn’t know it unless you’re the cook.
Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe
- It’s quick! 25 minutes is all you need for bangin’ tacos.
- No nightshades, but you won’t miss them. I promise.
- A crowd pleaser – no one will know they’re nightshade free.
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef – Any ground beef, or really, any ground meat will work. I like the 85/15 ground beef from ButcherBox. If you use a leaner meat, you may need to add a little cooking oil to your pan when browning.
Taco Seasoning – This nightshade free taco seasoning is one of the most popular recipes on this site (it had lots of 5 star reviews, which somehow all disappeared in my site update- oops!), and what I recommend. But any taco seasoning you love will work.
Salsa- These tacos use this nightshade free salsa verde recipe, which is another favorite. It’s easy to make and freezes great to be used for cooking. I always make a double batch and freeze for super quick meals.
Full ingredient list can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Nightshade Free Tacos
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat, then reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, mixing until well combined. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Scoop the seasoned beef into warm tortillas/shells (or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option).
Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a bit more salsa.
Nightshade Free Taco Topping Ideas
Living in southern California, tacos are life. I’m surrounded by the most delicious and authentic tacos and Mexican food in general. But when it comes to my tacos, I go totally rogue, and you should too!
Eat these tacos your favorite way. Just don’t add tomatoes. They’re delicious just like any ground beef tacos. But here are some of my favorite (and bizarre) toppings:
- Tortillas (corn, corn shells, Siete shells, or Siete almond flour tortillas)
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Dairy free crumbles (or regular cheese if you eat dairy)
- Radishes, thinly sliced
- Lime wedges (for squeezing over the top)
- Green or red onions, sliced
- More nightshade-free salsa
- Fresh cilantro
- Pickled onions (make sure no peppers are included for nightshade-free)
- Olives
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Anything you want! I’ve been known to add sauerkraut, roasted sweet potatoes, rice and/or beans to my tacos.
Shortcut The Recipe
If you don’t have any salsa on hand, you can leave it out and replace the salsa with 1/3 cup of broth or water. It’s still quite tasty.
Make a big batch of taco seasoning ahead of time and keep it on hand any time you need tacos. Do the same with the nightshade free salsa. It freezes beautifully if you plan to use it for cooking. Freeze in 1/2 cup increments, so it’s already portioned.
You can add frozen salsa right into the cooked ground beef. Just cover it and let it cook on low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Get all the best free weekly recipes!
When you sign up to receive emails
Simple Nightshade-Free Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1½ tablespoons nightshade-free taco seasoning
- ½ cup nightshade-free salsa plus more for serving
Topping Ideas
- Tortillas (corn, corn shells, Siete shells, or Siete almond flour tortillas)
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Radishes thinly sliced
- Lime wedges (for squeezing over the top)
- Green or red onions sliced
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, mixing until well combined. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Scoop the seasoned beef into warm tortillas/shells (or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option).
- Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
About Jen
I create nightshade-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free recipes that the whole family will love. After years of managing my own food sensitivities, I’ve learned how to make dishes that are flavorful, fun, and easy enough for busy weeknights. Let’s bring joy back to your table, one recipe at a time. More About Me
