Description
This quick and flavorful Ground Beef Tacos recipe features tender, spiced ground beef cooked in a savory tomato paste sauce, served warm on corn or flour tortillas with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and red onions. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, these tacos are packed with classic Mexican-inspired seasonings and come together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
Toppings
- Finely chopped lettuce
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped red onions
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well to evenly coat the beef with spices and tomato paste.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the water and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens and flavors meld, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the tacos and serve: Warm the corn or flour tortillas. Spoon the seasoned ground beef onto each tortilla and top with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red onions or any toppings of your choice. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce fat content.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For spicier tacos, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Warm tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel for pliability.
- Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
