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Easy ground beef tacos recipe with seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh toppings

Easy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe

This easy ground beef tacos recipe combines seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a quick and flavorful family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 470
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ground Beef Filling:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup water
Tacos:
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
Fresh Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • ½ small red onion finely diced
  • 1 avocado
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the seasonings coat the beef and the flavors come together.
  4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and flexible.
  5. Fill each tortilla with seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. Add lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime as desired.
  6. For food safety, cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.

Notes

  • Lean ground beef works well because it provides flavor without making the tacos overly greasy.
  • Cook the onion and garlic before adding the beef for a deeper savory flavor.
  • Let the seasoned beef simmer briefly so it absorbs the spices.
  • Warm tortillas before assembling to make them softer and easier to fold.
  • Add toppings just before serving for the best texture.
  • Corn tortillas are a good option for a more traditional taco-style meal.
  • Flour tortillas work well if you prefer softer, more flexible tacos.
  • Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.