Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mexican beef tacos are easy to love for several reasons. The combination of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors from the seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and delicious garnishes makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. These tacos are also customizable—everyone can top their taco with their favorite garnishes, whether it’s cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice. Plus, they are quick and simple to make, so you can enjoy a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- vegetable oil
- ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, tempeh, chickpeas, or tofu)
- taco seasoning (cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper)
- tomato paste
- beef broth or water
- small flour tortillas (or homemade)
- cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- tomatoes
- onions (red or white)
- fresh cilantro
- sour cream (optional)
- lime (for squeezing)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and beef broth. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Heat tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or on a gas burner, heating each side for about 30 seconds.
- Assemble the tacos: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with cheese, onion, tomato, cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people, and the total time for preparation and cooking is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Use tempeh, tofu, or chickpeas in place of ground beef.
- Gluten-free: Swap out flour tortillas for corn tortillas.
- Dairy-free: Omit the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
Store taco components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The ground beef mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the beef mixture on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
Add extra chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for more heat.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option and add a nice flavor to the tacos.
How can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based proteins like tempeh, tofu, or chickpeas.
How long can I store leftovers?
The components of the tacos can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze the beef filling?
Yes, the beef mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to use.
What cheese should I use for tacos?
A Mexican cheese blend or any cheese that melts easily, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, works best.
Can I make homemade tortillas for this recipe?
Yes, homemade flour tortillas are simple to make and add an extra layer of freshness to the tacos.
What toppings can I add to the tacos?
You can add pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans, or corn for additional flavors and textures.
How do I make the tacos more flavorful?
For a burst of flavor, add freshly squeezed lime juice, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Conclusion
These Mexican Ground Beef Tacos are simple, flavorful, and customizable, making them a perfect choice for any taco night. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a quick meal, these tacos are sure to satisfy. Try them out today and enjoy a fiesta of flavors!
Print
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mexican Ground Beef Tacos are quick, easy, and full of flavor. Enjoy seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and delicious toppings like cheese, sour cream, and lime, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for taco night or any fiesta!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, tempeh, chickpeas, or tofu for alternatives)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend with cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup beef broth or water
8 small flour tortillas (or homemade)
1 cup cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
2 tomatoes, diced
1 small onion (red or white), finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (for squeezing)
Instructions
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Cook the Ground Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned.
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Add Seasoning: Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and beef broth. Lower heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
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Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a skillet or on a gas burner, flipping each side for 30 seconds, until warm and slightly charred.
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Assemble the Tacos: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with cheese, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream (optional), and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef with tempeh, tofu, or chickpeas.
Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Dairy-Free Option: Omit cheese and sour cream or substitute with dairy-free alternatives.
Spicy Variation: Add more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase the heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
