Beef Taco Classic Flavor (Printable View)
Seasoned beef combined with fresh veggies and tangy toppings, wrapped in warm tortillas for a satisfying dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ½ cup tomato sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
→ Tacos & Toppings
12 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
13 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
16 - ¼ cup sour cream
17 - ¼ cup salsa
18 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
20 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, approximately 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over beef. Mix thoroughly to combine.
05 - Pour in tomato sauce and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until flexible and warm.
07 - Place beef filling onto each tortilla, then layer with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro leaves.
08 - Offer lime wedges alongside tacos for squeezing before eating.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Ready in thirty minutes, which means you can actually make dinner on a weeknight without losing your mind.
- The spice blend transforms humble ground beef into something that tastes like it took way more effort than it did.
- Everyone at the table can customize their own taco, so there's zero arguing about what goes on it.
02 -
- Don't skip draining excess fat from the beef—it's the difference between a taco that tastes clean and one that tastes greasy.
- Warming the tortillas is not optional; cold tortillas will tear and ruin the whole experience.
- Lime is not just a garnish, it's essential—squeeze it over everything right before you bite down.
03 -
- Toast your spices in the hot oil for a few seconds before adding the beef—it deepens their flavor exponentially.
- Always have lime and fresh cilantro on hand; they transform tacos from good to unforgettable.