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Beef Tacos

Beef Tacos

This easy and delicious Beef Tacos recipe combines seasoned ground beef with fresh, crunchy toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for quick, family-friendly dinners in under 30 minutes, this classic Mexican-inspired dish is customizable, satisfying, and great for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup water

Taco Assemblies & Toppings

  • 8 taco shells or tortillas (corn or flour)
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, queso fresco, or pepper jack)
  • Sour cream, optional
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Season the Meat: Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Add a splash of water and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and a slightly saucy texture.
  3. Prepare Toppings and Shells: While the beef simmers, dice fresh tomatoes, shred lettuce, grate cheese, and prepare additional toppings like sour cream and cilantro. Warm taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions or over an open flame for extra crispness.
  4. Assemble Your Beef Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of seasoned beef into each shell or tortilla. Top with your favorite fresh toppings and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh taco seasoning or homemade blends to boost flavor intensity.
  • Avoid overcooking beef to keep it juicy—remove from heat promptly once browned.
  • Warm tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel to prevent cracking.
  • Balance textures by layering soft beef with crunchy veggies and crispy shells.
  • Let the filling rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, quick dinner, Mexican, ground beef tacos, taco recipe, easy tacos, weeknight meal, gluten free tacos