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Quick Beef Tacos

Quick Beef Tacos

Make these Quick Beef Tacos in just 25 minutes with seasoned ground beef and fresh toppings. An easy family-friendly weeknight dinner recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • For the Beef Filling
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • For Serving
  • 8 taco shells or small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  5. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  6. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasonings.
  8. Pour in the tomato sauce and water.
  9. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Meanwhile, warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package directions.
  11. Fill each taco shell with the seasoned beef.
  12. Top with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream as desired.
  13. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.
  • Simmering the sauce helps deepen the flavor.
  • Fresh lime juice brightens the tacos.
  • Warm tortillas are less likely to crack.
  • Adjust spices to suit your taste.