Beef Tacos

Born from Mexico's street-food tradition, tacos wrap bold flavors in a soft corn tortilla. Here, spiced ground beef with cumin and chili powder makes a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner.

Serves 4

Estimate for one serving

• 480 cal
• 28g protein
• 32g carbs
• 27g fat
• 4g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1/3 cup beef broth or water
• 8 corn tortillas (6-inch)
• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1/2 small white onion (for pico)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1Finely dice the medium yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves; set aside.
2. 2Make a quick pico de gallo: dice the roma tomatoes, small white onion, and chop cilantro. Mix together in a bowl with juice from half the lime and salt. Set aside.
3. 3Shred the romaine lettuce and cheddar cheese; keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
4. 4Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil.
5. 5Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
6. 6Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. 7Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook 5–6 minutes until no longer pink.
8. 8Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast the spices.
9. 9Stir in tomato paste and beef broth (or water). Simmer 3–4 minutes until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. 10While the beef simmers, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a low gas flame for 15–20 seconds per side until soft and lightly charred.
11. 11Assemble the tacos: spoon seasoned beef into each tortilla, then top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime.
12. 12Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.