Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme Total Time: 25 minutes Yield: 8 tacos
MEXICAN GROUND BEEF TACOS
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos are the kind of dinner that says“ fiesta” with every bite- but with zero drama and maximum flavor. These beef tacos are delicious, authentic, and so easy to make. Tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft flour tortillas, then topped with crisp tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, cheese, and a generous squeeze of lime. It’ s savory, spicy, and fresh = taco happiness in your hands.
FOR THE GROUND BEEF TACO FILLING:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano( or Italian seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon salt( or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper( or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
FOR ASSEMBLING THE TACOS:
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded( optional)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium red onion or white onion, diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
FOR ASSEMBLING THE TACOS:
• ¼ cup sour cream( optional)
• 1 lime, wedged
• guacamole
• pico de gallo
• refried beans
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the hot oil is shimmering and sizzling, about 1-2 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it up as it browns. Stir well to cook evenly until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Add in the spices( cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano), salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir it all together to combine. Then, and broth( or water) and reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and set aside.
Heat the soft flour tortillas according to the package instructions, or heat in an ungreased skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side. You can also stack them on the stove or microwave between damp towels until soft and just pliable, or heat it directly on a gas burner for a few seconds to get char marks on the edges.
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture into each tortilla. Top with cheese( if using), tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, to taste.
28 GREENVILLE LIFE