Description
Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—these ground beef tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With seasoned beef and customizable toppings, they bring all the taste of taco night in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
8 small taco-sized tortillas (corn or flour)
Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion for about 5–6 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Stir to combine and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer the beef mixture for 5–7 minutes, until thickened and flavorful.
- Meanwhile, warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the tortillas and add desired toppings.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and heartiness.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
Store leftover beef in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Keep tortillas and toppings separate until ready to serve for freshness.
Reduce chili powder or smoked paprika for a milder version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
