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What to Serve With Ground Beef Tacos: 15 Best Side Dishes

Ground beef tacos are a delicious main course, and combining them with the right sides can make your meal even better. Classic guacamole offers a creamy contrast, while Mexican street corn, also known as elote, adds vibrant flavors and textures. Refried beans provide a hearty, protein-rich option, and cilantro lime rice invigorates the meal with aromatic undertones. Pico de gallo delivers a fresh burst of tanginess. For an extra touch, try tortilla chips, jalapeño poppers, avocado salad, or Mexican rice. Together, these sides create a perfect taco feast. Discover how these simple sides can transform your next taco night.

Guacamole

delicious avocado dip recipe

A quintessential accompaniment to ground beef tacos, guacamole offers a creamy and flavorful contrast to the savory meat. Guacamole variations abound, each bringing unique tastes depending on the guacamole ingredients used.

Classic recipes typically include avocados, lime, cilantro, and salt, while some add tomatoes, onions, or jalapeños for extra zest. These combinations make guacamole a versatile and beloved side dish.

Mexican Street Corn

delicious grilled corn treat

Mexican street corn, known as elote, provides a delightful combination of flavors and textures that perfectly complement ground beef tacos. By mastering simple grilling techniques, you can achieve the perfect char on the corn.

The variety of seasoning options—like chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese—adds layers of taste. This dish’s vibrant flavors make it an ideal, mouth-watering side.

Refried Beans

comfort food for many

Refried beans serve as a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with ground beef tacos. Their creamy texture, achieved through various cooking methods, provides a delightful contrast to the tacos’ crunch.

Beyond taste, refried beans offer substantial nutritional benefits, being rich in protein and fiber. This makes them a satisfying addition, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile of your meal.

Cilantro Lime Rice

zesty herb infused rice

Cilantro lime rice serves as a invigorating and aromatic side dish that complements the rich flavors of ground beef tacos. This dish offers nutritional benefits, including vitamins and minerals from fresh cilantro and lime.

Simple cooking techniques like simmering rice with lime zest and juice, then mixing in chopped cilantro, create a revitalizing and delicious accompaniment that enhances any taco meal.

Pico De Gallo

flavorful and fresh salsa

Pico de Gallo, with its fresh blend of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, introduces a burst of vibrant flavors that perfectly complements ground beef tacos.

The tomato freshness adds a juicy, tangy touch, while the crisp onion chopping provides a satisfying crunch.

This simple yet flavorful salsa enhances the overall taco experience, making it a must-have side dish for any taco night.

Churros

sweet fried dough treat

Churros offer a delightful contrast to savory ground beef tacos, providing a sweet, crispy dessert option to round out the meal.

Originating from Spain, churros have a rich history and are now beloved globally. There are many churro variations, from classic cinnamon-sugar to filled versions with chocolate or caramel.

These tasty treats add a touch of indulgence, making them an irresistible choice.

Elote Salad

fresh summer corn salad

Incorporating the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, elote salad serves as an invigorating and tangy side dish that complements the rich taste of ground beef tacos. Elote ingredients like grilled corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese bring a burst of flavor.

Salad variations can include additions like avocado or cherry tomatoes, making it a versatile and delightful accompaniment to your meal.

Black Bean Salad

healthy and colorful dish

Black bean salad offers a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of ground beef tacos. This salad is rich in protein and fiber, enhancing the nutritional benefits of your meal.

With endless flavor variations—such as adding corn, avocado, and fresh herbs—it elevates the dining experience, making it a delightful complement to your taco feast.

Mexican Coleslaw

fresh vibrant spicy salad

Mexican coleslaw consistently provides an energizing and crisp contrast to the rich flavors of ground beef tacos.

This vibrant side dish typically features a fresh cabbage mix combined with a creamy dressing that balances tang and spice.

The result is a revitalizing bite that complements the savory meat, adding both texture and zest to your meal.

It’s an ideal pairing that enhances every taco experience.

Queso Dip

cheese dip for chips

Another delightful side that pairs perfectly with ground beef tacos is queso dip, offering a rich and creamy indulgence that complements the robust flavors of the tacos.

A thoughtful cheese selection, such as a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, can elevate this dip.

Make sure the serving temperature is warm, which enhances its creamy texture and makes it an irresistible addition to your meal.

Salsa Verde

tangy green sauce delight

Salsa verde, with its tangy and vibrant flavor profile, serves as an excellent accompaniment to ground beef tacos.

The key to a great salsa verde lies in the tomatillo selection; choose firm, bright green ones.

Roasting techniques are essential—roast tomatillos, peppers, and garlic until they’re charred and soft.

This process enhances the flavors, making your salsa verde truly unforgettable.

Tortilla Chips

crunchy snack with salsa

Tortilla chips, with their satisfying crunch and versatility, make an ideal side dish for ground beef tacos. Enhance their flavor with homemade seasoning, adding a personal touch that complements the meal.

Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as guacamole or salsa, to provide a delightful contrast in textures and tastes. This pairing elevates the taco experience, making it truly enjoyable.

Jalapeño Poppers

spicy stuffed pepper appetizers

Jalapeño poppers, with their spicy kick and creamy filling, offer a dynamic and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements ground beef tacos.

Stuffed jalapeños, typically filled with cream cheese, provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

The heat from the peppers pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory taste of the tacos, making each bite a balanced and exciting experience.

Avocado Salad

healthy and refreshing meal

An avocado salad brings an invigorating and creamy element to the meal, perfectly balancing the robust flavors of ground beef tacos.

The richness of avocado boats filled with fresh veggies and topped with a zesty avocado dressing offers a delightful contrast.

This side dish not only adds vibrant color but also a rejuvenating taste, elevating your taco night to a new level of deliciousness.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Ground Beef Tacos Also Be Served With Fish Tacos?

Yes, the best side dishes for fish tacos can also be served with ground beef tacos. Fresh and flavorful options like coleslaw, black beans, corn salad, and cilantro lime rice complement both types of tacos. These versatile sides provide a perfect balance of flavors and textures to enhance any taco meal.

Mexican Rice

delicious homemade mexican dish

Mexican Rice serves as a flavorful and aromatic companion to ground beef tacos, enhancing the overall dining experience. Utilizing diverse spice variations and simple cooking techniques, this side dish can be tailored to suit various palates.

Whether you prefer a mild or spicy version, the combination of tomatoes, onions, and garlic creates a rich, savory base that perfectly complements the tacos.