Description

Savor the bold, juicy flavors of these quick and simple Beef Tacos that combine perfectly seasoned lean ground beef with fresh toppings. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat wrapped in your choice of crispy shells or soft tortillas, customizable to suit any taste or dietary preference. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, these beef tacos are a guaranteed family favorite—packed with spice, zest, and a juicy texture that keeps every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
8 taco shells or soft corn/flour tortillas

Fresh Toppings

1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, queso fresco, or pepper jack)
1/2 cup sour cream

Optional Variations

1–2 jalapeños, chopped (for spicy kick)
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges (for herb infusion)
Pickled onions and crema (for Mexican street style toppings)

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics – Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a touch of oil. Cook diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This base brings out a rich depth to your beef tacos.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef – Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent clumps.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomato Sauce – Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef mixture and stir to coat thoroughly. Pour in tomato sauce to moisten the meat and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare Taco Shells – Warm your choice of taco shells or tortillas in the oven or on a skillet until tortillas are soft and pliable or hard shells are crispy and golden, ensuring ideal texture for assembly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Beef Tacos – Spoon generous portions of seasoned beef into each taco shell, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Add any optional toppings as desired for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance authentic flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcook Meat: Cooking until just browned keeps beef juicy and tender.
Balance Flavors: Adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of lime juice can elevate the taco seasoning.
Warm Your Tortillas: Warming makes tortillas flexible and less likely to crack when folded.
Rest the Meat: Let cooked beef rest a few minutes off heat to absorb all juices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg