What to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos: 22+ Delicious Pairings

Ground beef tacos are a personal favorite of mine. They’re simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion—from Taco Tuesday to an easy weeknight dinner.

But let’s be honest, while the taco itself is the star, the sides, drinks, and desserts are what turn taco night into a feast!

Whether you’re building a taco bar or just whipping up dinner for the family, knowing what to serve with ground beef tacos is essential.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best side dishes, drinks, and desserts to serve alongside your tacos.

 You’ll find ideas that go beyond the basics and add a fresh, unique twist to your meal.

Traditional Sides to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos

When it comes to what to serve with ground beef tacos, you can’t go wrong with traditional Mexican sides. These dishes have stood the test of time for a reason – they’re simply delicious!

• Mexican Rice: Mexican rice, or arroz rojo, is one of the best sides for beef tacos. The fluffy, flavorful rice soaks up all the delicious juices from the taco meat, making it the perfect companion. Plus, the subtle spices in the rice blend beautifully with taco seasoning. You can make it from scratch or use a pre-packaged taco kit if you’re in a hurry.

• Refried Beans: Refried beans are a hearty, creamy side dish that complements the lean ground beef in tacos. I love how the smooth texture of the beans pairs with the crunch of a hard taco shell. You can serve them as a side or even add them directly to your tacos as a topping!

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): If you’ve never tried elote, you’re in for a treat. This Mexican street food is corn on the cob covered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime. It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy—all at once. Elote adds a burst of flavor that elevates any taco night.

• Guacamole and Chips: Guacamole, made from creamy avocado, adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the seasoned ground beef in tacos. Pair it with crunchy tortilla chips, and you’ve got a classic appetizer that’s hard to resist. 

These traditional sides work perfectly with any taco recipe—whether you’re making beef, chicken, shrimp, or fish tacos. You can mix and match to create your ideal taco night spread.

Fresh and Healthy Sides for Ground Beef Tacos

If you’re looking to lighten up your taco night, there are plenty of fresh and healthy side dish options that pair well with ground beef tacos. These sides bring a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors to balance the richness of the beef and seasonings.

• Pico de Gallo: Nothing beats homemade pico de gallo. This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the savory taco meat. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make. 

• Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw is a healthy way to add texture and flavor to your taco spread. I like to toss thinly sliced cabbage with lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt for a quick and easy slaw. It’s perfect for topping tacos or serving as a side.

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are fantastic healthy sides that bring a smoky, charred flavor to the table. You can easily prepare these veggies on the grill or stovetop. The slight sweetness from the caramelized vegetables pairs perfectly with the savory ground beef in your tacos.

• Avocado Salad: For a lighter, refreshing option, an avocado salad is a great side to go with tacos. I usually toss diced avocado with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a simple lime vinaigrette. It’s fresh, nutritious, and complements the beef tacos beautifully without overpowering the taco seasoning.

These fresh sides are not only nutritious but also offer a great contrast to the rich beef mixture, making taco night a little healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Modern and Unique Sides to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos

Want to shake things up a bit? If you’re tired of the traditional sides, here are some modern and unique options that still work well with ground beef tacos. They’re fun, creative, and sure to impress your guests.

• Quinoa Salad with Lime and Cilantro: This healthy alternative to rice is a light and zesty side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos. The cilantro-lime quinoa has a nutty flavor and adds a unique twist to taco night. It’s a great way to add more protein and fiber to your meal, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

• Sweet Potato Fries: I love serving sweet potato fries with ground beef tacos. The sweetness of the fries contrasts beautifully with the spiced taco meat. They’re easy to make and offer a healthier alternative to regular fries. Plus, they bring a unique, unexpected twist to your taco spread.

• Jalapeño Poppers: For a more indulgent side, jalapeño poppers are a crowd-pleaser. These spicy, cheesy bites add a little heat to your meal and are the perfect complement to the savory beef tacos. I usually bake mine to keep them on the lighter side, but you can fry them for a more decadent version.

These modern and unique sides add a fun element to taco night and are great if you’re looking to mix up your usual taco recipe with something new and exciting.

Appetizers to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos

When hosting a taco night, appetizers set the tone. They’re the perfect way to get everyone excited for the tacos to come. Here are some of my favorite appetizers that pair wonderfully with ground beef tacos.

• Loaded Nachos: Nachos loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and beef are the ultimate taco night appetizer. You can even use leftover taco meat to top the nachos, making it a quick and easy appetizer. Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream for an extra kick.

• Queso Dip: A warm, gooey queso dip is always a hit at taco night. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping, or even drizzle it over your tacos. It’s creamy, cheesy, and adds another layer of deliciousness to your taco spread.

• Mini Taquitos: Taquitos are crispy, bite-sized snacks that are great to serve before the tacos. You can fill them with shredded chicken, beef, or cheese, then bake or fry them until golden and crispy. Serve them with a side of guacamole or salsa verde for dipping.

Appetizers like these not only keep your guests satisfied while you finish cooking but also add an extra layer of excitement to the meal. They’re easy to make and can even be prepared in advance.

Drinks to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos

When it comes to pairing drinks with ground beef tacos, you’ve got a lot of great options to choose from. I like to keep it simple, but the right drink can really elevate your taco night. Here are some of my favorite choices:

• Classic Margaritas: Margaritas are a must-have for taco night. The tangy lime and smooth tequila cut through the richness of the beef tacos, making it the perfect drink to balance the meal. You can make a classic margarita or switch things up with flavors like mango or watermelon.

• Mexican Beer and Micheladas: For beer lovers, a cold Mexican beer like Corona, Modelo, or Pacifico is the way to go. If you want to get more adventurous, try a michelada—a spicy, tangy beer cocktail made with lime juice, hot sauce, and a salted rim. It’s refreshing and pairs perfectly with tacos.

• Agua Fresca: If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, agua fresca is a light, fruity drink made from fresh fruits like watermelon, pineapple, or hibiscus. It’s a refreshing alternative to soda and complements the bold flavors of beef tacos beautifully.

A well-paired drink can make a world of difference at taco night, and these options will satisfy both adults and kids alike. For more refreshing drink ideas, check out this guide to Mexican drinks.

Desserts to Serve with Ground Beef Tacos

No taco night is complete without a sweet ending! Pair your ground beef tacos with these delicious desserts for taco night to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth.

• Churros with Chocolate Sauce: Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, churros are a classic Mexican treat. Served with warm chocolate sauce for dipping, they provide a perfectly indulgent contrast to savory tacos.

• Tres Leches Cake: This ultra-moist, rich cake is soaked in three types of milk, offering a creamy, sweet flavor. The light, spongy texture is the perfect finish to a hearty taco meal.

• Flan: Flan is a smooth, creamy caramel custard that’s both decadent and light. Its silky texture and caramelized topping bring an elegant touch to any taco night spread.

These traditional Mexican desserts add a delightful sweetness that complements your ground beef taco feast perfectly. They’re easy to make and will leave a lasting impression on your guests!

How to Build a Taco Bar for Ground Beef Tacos

Setting up a taco bar is the perfect way to make taco night interactive and fun. It allows your guests to build their tacos just the way they like them, with a mix of classic and unique toppings. Here’s how to make it simple and stress-free.

Essential Ground Beef Taco Toppings

Offer a range of both traditional and creative toppings. Some must-haves include:

• Shredded lettuce
• Grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Avocado or guacamole

For something different, add pickled onions or grilled pineapple.

Tortilla Choices

Offer a mix of corn and flour tortillas to satisfy all preferences. You could also provide gluten-free or whole wheat tortillas and even lettuce wraps for low-carb options.

Tips for a Stress-Free Setup

• Organize toppings in small bowls for easy access.
• Prep ahead of time by chopping veggies the night before and keeping the taco meat warm in a slow cooker.
• Set up a beverage station with Mexican sodas or agua fresca.

With a little planning, your taco bar will be a hit, making it easy and enjoyable for everyone to build their perfect taco!

FAQs: Serving Ground Beef Tacos