Beef Tacos
KOENMexicanMain course⏱ 30 minEdit history

Beef Tacos

Seasoned ground beef spooned into warm tortillas and piled with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and salsa — Mexico's everyday favorite. The beef filling comes together in one pan in 15 minutes, and everyone builds their own from the toppings.

Ingredients

4servings
  • Tortillas · corn or flour, small8
  • Ground beef400 g
  • Onion · chopped0.5
  • Minced garlic2 cloves
  • Cooking oil1 tbsp
  • Water0.5 cup
  • Taco seasoning
  • Chili powder1 tbsp
  • Cumin1 tsp
  • Paprika1 tsp
  • Garlic powder0.5 tsp
  • Oregano0.5 tsp
  • Salt1 tsp
  • Black pepper · a pinch
  • Toppings
  • Lettuce · shredded
  • Tomato · diced
  • Shredded cheese · cheddar, etc.
  • Sour cream · optional
  • Salsa / hot sauce · optional
  • Lime & cilantro · optional

Steps

  1. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the onion and garlic until translucent.

    ⏲ 2 min
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking up the clumps, and brown it over high heat.

    ⏲ 5 min
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer until the liquid cooks down and coats the meat.

    ⏲ 5 min
  4. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or over a flame until soft.

    ⏲ 2 min
  5. Set out each topping in its own bowl.

    ⏲ 3 min
  6. Fill the tortillas with beef and add lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

    ⏲ 1 min
  7. Squeeze over lime, scatter cilantro, fold in half, and eat.

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Chicken tacos: Use ground or shredded chicken instead of beef.
  • Hard-shell tacos: Pile the filling into crisp corn taco shells.
  • Shrimp tacos: Grilled shrimp with cabbage and lime crema.
  • Vegetarian: Swap in chopped mushrooms or black beans.

Tips

  • Store-bought seasoning works, but chili + cumin + paprika makes your own.
  • Simmer with a splash of water so the meat stays moist and well-seasoned.
  • Always warm the tortillas — cold ones tear and turn stiff.
  • Half the fun is letting everyone build their own with the toppings they like.

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