Classic Mexican Beef Tacos (Printer-friendly)

Seasoned ground beef tacos with fresh toppings, ready in 30 minutes

# What You Need:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
05 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/3 cup water
12 - 1 tablespoon 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
18 - 1/2 cup sour cream
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Break apart with a spatula and cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with spices.
05 - Pour in water and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld. Remove from heat.
06 - Warm taco shells according to package directions—soft tortillas can be heated in a dry skillet or microwave, while crunchy shells may be oven-warmed.
07 - Spoon a generous portion of seasoned beef into each shell. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, salsa, diced tomato, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
08 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Offer extra salsa and sour cream at the table.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • The beef filling comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
  • Everyone can customize their own tacos, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous eaters alike
  • The spice blend hits that perfect balance between smoky, savory, and just enough heat to keep things interesting
02 -
  • Drain the beef before adding spices, otherwise the seasonings float on top of the grease instead of coating the meat
  • The filling needs that splash of water to hydrate the spices and create a sauce, so do not skip it
  • Soft tortillas can be warmed directly over a gas flame for 10 seconds per side if you want those lovely charred spots
03 -
  • Taste your beef filling before serving and adjust the salt or spices, remembering that the toppings will add their own flavors
  • If your corn tortillas crack when folded, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds
  • A squeeze of fresh lime over the finished taco brightens all the flavors and balances the rich beef
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