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Beef Tacos

Beef Tacos

Beef Tacos are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal combining seasoned lean ground beef with fresh vegetables, cheese, and customizable toppings all packed in soft or crispy taco shells. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe offers bold, savory flavors that are perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings, with plenty of options to adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp homemade or store-bought taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth

Taco Shells

  • 8 soft or hard taco shells

Toppings

  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the tacos from being greasy.
  2. Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant and translucent. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
  3. Simmer for Flavor: Pour in water or beef broth and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes so the spices meld into the beef for deep flavor.
  4. Warm the Taco Shells: While the beef simmers, warm your taco shells in the oven or on a dry skillet until they are soft or crispy based on your preference. Warm shells make assembling easier and tastier.
  5. Assemble Your Beef Tacos: Fill each taco shell with a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef. Top with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, onions, shredded cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overcook the beef to keep it juicy; cook only until browned.
  • Toast taco shells just before serving for extra crunch and warmth.
  • Add a touch of acidity like lime juice to balance the richness of the beef.
  • Prepare toppings ahead of time to speed up assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, easy tacos, quick dinner, Mexican tacos, ground beef recipes, family-friendly tacos, gluten-free tacos