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Easy Seasoned Ground Beef Tacos

Easy Seasoned Ground Beef Tacos - featured image

A quick and easy taco recipe featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef with simple pantry ingredients, ideal for Taco Tuesday or any busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 810 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheddar or crumbled queso fresco, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Prepare all ingredients before cooking (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and beef is browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat.
  6. Pour in ¼ cup water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and keep beef juicy.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
  8. Assemble tacos by spooning seasoned beef into warmed tortillas and topping with desired fresh toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh spices for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to brown beef properly. Add a splash more water or olive oil if beef feels dry after simmering. Warm tortillas properly to prevent tearing. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and dairy-free toppings if needed. Variations include swapping beef for ground turkey, chicken, tofu, or lentils.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, easy tacos, taco recipe, quick dinner, seasoned beef, taco Tuesday, weeknight meal