Description
These easy homemade tacos feature perfectly seasoned ground beef with a flavorful spice blend, nestled in warm tortillas and topped with all your favorite fresh ingredients. Better than any restaurant and ready in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup water
For Serving:
- 8–10 taco shells or soft tortillas (flour or corn)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 avocado, diced (or ½ cup guacamole)
- ¼ cup diced white onion
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
- Add the seasonings: Reduce heat to medium. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the browned beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Add tomato paste to the seasoned meat and stir until fully incorporated. Pour in the water and stir everything together. The mixture will look saucy at first.
- Simmer: Let the meat mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce has thickened and coats the meat beautifully. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Warm the tortillas: While the meat simmers, warm your tortillas. For soft tortillas, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or heat them individually in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
- Prep your toppings: Arrange all your toppings in small bowls or on a large platter. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and onions, grate the cheese if using a block, and prepare any other toppings you love.
- Assemble your tacos: Place a generous scoop (about ¼ cup) of the seasoned meat into each tortilla. Top with your favorite toppings – lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, and onions. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a bright finishing touch.
- Serve immediately: Tacos are best enjoyed fresh and warm! Set up a taco bar and let everyone customize their own perfect taco.
Notes
- For spicier tacos, add the cayenne pepper and include diced jalapeños or hot sauce in your toppings.
- Don’t skip draining the fat after browning the beef – this prevents greasy tacos while keeping them flavorful.
- The key to flavorful taco meat is letting it simmer long enough for the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.
- If your meat mixture seems dry, add a splash more water. If it’s too wet, simmer a few minutes longer.
- Fresh lime juice is essential – it brightens all the flavors and adds that authentic taco taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg