Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
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Ground Beef Tacos are a quick, tasty meal that works well for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. They use seasoned ground beef cooked until juicy and flavorful, then tucked into warm taco shells or soft tortillas. Add fresh lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, and your favorite taco toppings for a meal everyone can build their own way. This recipe keeps the steps simple and uses easy-to-find ingredients. The beef gets rich flavor from chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika. In about 30 minutes, you can have a warm, filling taco dinner on the table.
What is Ground Beef Tacos
Ground Beef Tacos are Mexican-inspired tacos filled with seasoned ground beef. The beef cooks with onion, garlic, and simple spices, then goes into crispy taco shells or soft tortillas. Common toppings include shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80% to 90% lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 8 taco shells or small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salsa, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if the beef is very lean, then cook the onion for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Season the beef: Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the beef.
- Add liquid: Pour in the water or beef broth. Stir and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes moist but not watery.
- Warm the shells: Heat taco shells or tortillas according to the package directions.
- Build the tacos: Fill each shell with seasoned beef. Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and cilantro.
- Serve: Top with salsa and sour cream. Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Essential Note:
Cook the ground beef until it reaches 160 F for food safety. Drain excess fat if needed, but keep a small amount for flavor. Do not add too much water because watery taco meat can make the shells soggy. Let the beef simmer until the liquid reduces and lightly coats the meat. Taste the filling before serving and adjust the salt or chili powder if needed. For crispy taco shells, warm them just before filling. If using tortillas, heat them in a dry skillet until soft and flexible. Keep toppings separate so each person can build tacos to their taste.
Recipe Notes
Use lean ground beef for less grease, but avoid overcooking it. Fresh toppings, warm tortillas, lime juice and creamy sour cream make these tacos extra flavorful.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Use ground beef with some fat for juicy taco meat and better flavor. Break the beef into small pieces while it cooks so the seasoning spreads evenly. Cook the onion before adding the beef to bring out its natural sweetness. Toast the spices for a few seconds with the meat to release more flavor. Add broth instead of plain water when you want a richer filling. Keep the heat at medium while the beef simmers so it does not dry out. Warm taco shells or tortillas right before serving. Add cheese while the beef is hot so it melts slightly. For extra freshness, finish the tacos with lime juice, cilantro or diced avocado.
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Anupam
Before I even start cooking, I taste-test everything to make sure it’s spot-on. Then, I break it down for you with everyday essentials, nutrition info, and simple, step-by-step instructions. From breakfast to dinner, I walk you through each stage so cooking becomes easy, fun, and stress-free.
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