Classic flavorful beef tacos (Printable)
Seasoned beef paired with crisp vegetables and warm tortillas, delivering bold Mexican flavors in minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meat
01 - 1 lb (85% lean) ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium tomato, diced
05 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
06 - 1 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
07 - 1/2 cup diced red onion (for topping)
08 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for topping)
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Sauces & Dairy
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/2 cup sour cream
18 - Lime wedges, for serving
→ Tortillas
19 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
# Steps:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
03 - Mix in the diced tomato, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the seasoning is well distributed.
04 - Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until flexible and warm.
05 - Spoon the beef mixture into each warm tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve alongside lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This is the kind of recipe you want to share quietly with your closest friends because the flavors just click perfectly.
- I love how quick it comes together without sacrificing a rich, authentic taste that makes everyone ask for seconds.
02 -
- Don't forget to drain the beef's fat after browning; too much grease makes the taco filling soggy instead of delightful.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with chili powder amps up flavor in a way that changed how I season all my Mexican dishes.
03 -
- Using fresh ground spices instead of pre-mixed blends lets you tailor heat and flavor precisely to your liking after a few tries.
- Warming the skillet before adding the beef helps it sear better, giving you a deeper, richer flavor from browning.