Ground Beef Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Ground Beef Tacos
Description
This recipe begins with browning ground beef chunks in olive oil, seasoned simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper. After initial browning, garlic and spices including chili powder, cumin, and onion powder are added to build layers of flavor. The mixture cooks briefly before chicken broth and tomato sauce are poured in. Simmering reduces the sauce to a thicker consistency that coats the beef.
Filled into warmed corn tortillas, the beef mixture pairs with shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese, creating a combination of textures and mild freshness to complement the seasoned meat. Optional toppings can enhance the dish with heat or creaminess.
The recipe advises briefly warming the tortillas in a lightly oiled skillet to add a slight crispness and prevent tearing. The flavorful beef filling with its moderate spice level makes it suitable for casual meals or gatherings. Variations like adding cayenne pepper can increase heat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 2 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin ground
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken broth low-sodium
Tacos
- 8 corn tortillas (5 - 6 inch)
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese or shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tomato diced, Roma or 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 2 cups lettuce shredded romain or iceberg
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef in large chunks to skillet spacing apart. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let brown on bottom, about 3 minutes then flip, break up beef and continue to cook until almost cooked through, about 2 minutes.
- Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, onion powder and continue to cook until beef is just cooked through, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat until sauce has reduced and thickened, about 3 - 5 minutes.
- Serve warm over warmed tortillas with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and other desired toppings (see notes).
Notes
- Optional toppings include guacamole, sour cream, hot sauces like Cholula or Tapatio, chopped onions, and cilantro for extra layers of flavor.
- Cook corn tortillas in a lightly oiled non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 15-20 seconds per side until golden spots appear, which improves texture and prevents tearing.
- Adjust spiciness by adding up to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the beef seasoning if desired.