Classic Mexican Beef Tacos (Printable Version)

Seasoned ground beef in soft or crunchy tortillas with fresh toppings

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
05 - 2 tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/3 cup water
12 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Taco Assembly

13 - 8 small taco shells (soft flour or crunchy corn tortillas)
14 - 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
15 - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
16 - 1 cup salsa
17 - 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
18 - 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
20 - Lime wedges (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
05 - Pour in water and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
06 - Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
07 - Fill each taco shell with a generous spoonful of the beef mixture. Top with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and optional toppings like tomato, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
08 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The beef filling comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
  • You can set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their own perfect taco
  • The spice blend hits that nostalgic fast-food flavor but with way better ingredients
02 -
  • The beef mixture keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and actually tastes better the next day as the spices meld
  • Drain the excess fat before adding spices if your beef was especially fatty, otherwise the sauce gets greasy
  • Let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling tacos or the shells can get soggy
03 -
  • Mix a tablespoon of sour cream into the beef after it simmers for a creamier texture that mellows the heat
  • Double the spice blend and store half in a jar for next time, it stays fresh for months
  • Set up everything buffet style and let people build their own tacos, it turns dinner into an activity
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