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Easy Ground Beef Tacos Recipe – Simple Weeknight Dinner. Realistic Photo Casual Kitchen Settings

Ground Beef Tacos

Simple and flavorful ground beef tacos made with seasoned beef, warm tortillas, and classic toppings for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 0.33 cup water
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 medium lime, cut into wedges

Instructions
 

  • Prepare all ingredients by finely chopping the yellow onion, mincing the garlic, dicing the tomato, shredding the lettuce and cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded, chopping the fresh cilantro, and cutting the lime into wedges.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula into small crumbles.
  • Cook the ground beef for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
  • Drain off any excess fat from the skillet if necessary, then return the skillet with the cooked beef to the stove over medium heat.
  • Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the cooked beef.
  • Pour in the water and stir well to coat the beef with the spices, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
  • Let the seasoned beef mixture simmer over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced and the meat looks moist but not soupy.
  • While the beef is simmering, warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until soft and pliable.
  • Transfer the warmed tortillas to a clean kitchen towel and wrap them to keep them warm and soft.
  • Once the beef is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or black pepper if desired.
  • To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef down the center of each warm tortilla.
  • Top the beef in each tortilla with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced tomato.
  • Add a small dollop of sour cream over the toppings in each taco.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the tacos for a fresh finish.
  • Serve the ground beef tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each taco just before eating.