Description
These easy Beef Tacos are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring juicy lean ground beef seasoned with a vibrant blend of Mexican spices, these tacos come together effortlessly and can be customized with a variety of fresh toppings for a hand-held delight that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano blend)
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
For the Tacos
- 8 soft flour tortillas or crispy corn taco shells
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for spicy tacos)
- 1/2 cup cooked black beans (for beef and bean tacos)
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Chipotle peppers, corn, cilantro-lime rice (for Tex-Mex style)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef and add water or broth. Stir well and let simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Warm the Taco Shells: While the beef simmers, warm your taco shells in the oven or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes until pliable and fragrant.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Fill each warmed taco shell generously with the seasoned beef mixture. Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add any additional toppings or sauces as desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve beef tacos hot to enjoy the best taste and texture. Complement with sides like Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic, onions, and herbs to elevate the flavor.
- Do not overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
- Toast taco shells lightly for added crunch.
- Adjust seasoning to personal taste preferences.
- Add fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: beef tacos, easy tacos, Mexican tacos, quick dinner, taco night, ground beef recipes, taco seasoning, weeknight meal
