Name: Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ Tablespoon olive or avocado oil; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lb ground beef (90/10 recommended); 2 Tablespoons beef broth (or water, more if needed); 2 Tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons lime juice; Lime wedges; Small soft corn or flour tortillas; Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese; Shredded lettuce; Diced tomatoes; Chopped cilantro; Diced red onion; Sour cream; Avocado chunks or guacamole; Salsa; Hot sauce

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Introduction

Ground Beef Tacos are a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that everyone will love. With a blend of spices and fresh toppings, these tacos bring a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ Tablespoon olive or avocado oil
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 lb ground beef (90/10 recommended)
2 Tablespoons beef broth (or water, more if needed)
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons lime juice
Lime wedges (for serving)
Small soft corn or flour tortillas
Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Diced red onion
Sour cream
Avocado chunks or guacamole
Salsa
Hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Make the taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until fully cooked. Drain fat if necessary.
Step 4: Stir in the prepared seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the beef is well coated with the spices.
Step 5: Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and lime juice. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: While the beef simmers, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat or wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto the tortillas and topping with your choice of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, salsa, and hot sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

Tips & Variations

Use lean ground beef like 90/10 or leaner to reduce the need for draining excess fat.
Add a splash of water or broth during simmering if the mixture looks too dry.
For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder or using smoked paprika.
Serve with warm corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
Customize toppings to your preference—pickled jalapeños or a squeeze of fresh hot sauce add extra kick.

Storage

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Warm the tortillas separately before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the taco meat ahead of time?

Yes, the beef mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before assembling tacos.

What can I use if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can substitute tomato paste with an equal amount of tomato sauce or puree, though it may make the mixture a bit less thick and intense in flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.