Print

Quick Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

quick ground beef tacos - featured image

A fast and flavorful ground beef taco recipe perfect for busy weeknights, using simple pantry ingredients and a homemade spice blend for authentic Mexican flair.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out all the spices. (About 5 minutes prep)
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook about 5 minutes until it starts to brown but not fully cooked.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until onion softens and beef is fully browned.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir thoroughly and cook for 1 more minute to toast spices.
  5. Pour in beef broth or water. Lower heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until liquid reduces slightly and beef remains moist.
  6. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  7. Assemble tacos by spooning beef into tortillas and topping with desired toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Toast spices in the hot beef for deeper flavor. Use fresh garlic and onion for best taste. Simmer with broth to keep beef moist. Warm tortillas just before serving for best texture. Adjust spice levels to taste. Leftover beef can be stored in fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, quick tacos, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Mexican tacos, taco recipe, simple tacos