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Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

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4.2 from 86 reviews

A quick and flavorful recipe for Ground Beef Tacos featuring a seasoned and simmered beef mixture served in crispy taco shells or soft tortillas, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (1-2 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion

Other Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 8 hard taco shells or soft tortillas
  • Toppings as desired (e.g., shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, lime wedges)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the beef with a spatula and stir frequently until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease or soak it up with paper towels and discard.
  2. Simmer with Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth (or water), and all the spices and seasonings into the cooked beef mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and reduces, approximately 10-15 minutes.
  3. Prepare Toppings and Tortillas: While the meat simmers, prepare your choice of taco toppings such as lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. Heat the taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions or your preference.
  4. Assemble Tacos: Once the meat mixture has thickened, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to fill each taco shell with the beef mixture. Add your desired toppings and finish with a squeeze of lime for added freshness and zest.

Notes

  • Using ground beef with 15% fat content helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
  • Drain excess grease after cooking the beef to prevent soggy tacos.
  • Adjust seasoning levels to suit your taste preference.
  • Soft tortillas can be warmed in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
  • Customize toppings to your liking; fresh cilantro and avocado are great additions.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.