Championship Beef Tacos (Printable Version)
Juicy, seasoned ground beef tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh, zesty garnishes—a crowd-pleasing taco night winner.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
05 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/3 cup beef broth or water
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Tacos & Toppings
13 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
16 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
17 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
20 - Lime wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
03 - Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom. Pour in the beef broth or water, stir thoroughly, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove the skillet from heat.
04 - Warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or using a microwave until pliable.
05 - Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into the center of each warm tortilla. Top generously with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This recipe is your secret weapon for those busy weeknights when you still want something incredibly satisfying.
- The balanced spices and juicy beef filling ensure every bite is bursting with flavor, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
02 -
- Always let your spices "bloom" in the hot pan with the fat for a minute; it truly unlocks their full flavor potential, a trick I learned from a wise friend.
- Don't skip the beef broth; it keeps the filling moist and prevents it from being dry, making all the difference in the final texture.
03 -
- For an extra layer of flavor, toast your dry spices for 15 20 seconds in the hot pan before adding the beef, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Always warm your tortillas right before serving; it makes them more pliable and enhances their aroma, preventing them from cracking when folded.