Ground beef tacos
A flavorful classic
Mexican ground beef tacos are a true classic and surprisingly easy to make.
With the right spices and fresh ingredients, you can put a flavorful meal on the table in no time. The foundation of a good taco is the filling: perfectly seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a generous layer of shredded cheese come together for an irresistible combination.
One of the best things about tacos is how easy they are to customize. You can go with a traditional Mexican style topped with fresh cilantro and spicy salsa, or choose a Tex Mex twist with creamy guacamole and sour cream. Either way, they always feel festive. Tacos bring everyone together at the table, since each person builds their own favorite version. That makes them not only delicious to eat, but fun to share.
The perfect seasoning for the beef
The flavor of your tacos depends on the spices you use for the beef. In this recipe we use ground beef, though a mix of beef and pork also works well. The classic Mexican flavor comes from a blend of cumin, sweet paprika powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
This creates a bold, slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables. Cooking the beef over medium heat and giving the spices time to develop ensures a rich and satisfying filling.
Toppings and variations
Alongside the seasoned beef, the toppings play a big role. In this recipe they are served with iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cheddar is part of the Tex Mex style that developed along the Texas Mexico border.
If you prefer a more traditional Mexican version, replace the cheddar with crumbled queso fresco or cotija, two cheeses commonly used in Mexico. For extra brightness, add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Other fillings to try
While ground beef tacos are a popular choice, there are many other fillings worth trying. A traditional Mexican option is barbacoa, slow cooked beef that is tender and richly seasoned. It is often steamed in banana leaves, which gives it a deep flavor. Carnitas, slow cooked pork shoulder with crispy edges, is another great option. Looking for something lighter? Try fish tacos, where crispy white fish is paired with fresh lettuce and a creamy lime sauce. Whatever version you choose, tacos are always a good idea.
PrintGround beef tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Mexican ground beef tacos are a true classic, and with the right spices you can have a flavorful meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
- 1.1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz sour cream
- 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 limes
- 1 red onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 beef bouillon cube (0.18 oz)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, optional
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat for about 10 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- Meanwhile, dice the tomatoes and slice the red onion into thin half moons. Cut the limes into wedges.
- Add the paprika powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, oregano, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add just under 1/3 cup hot water along with the crumbled 1/2 beef bouillon cube (0,18 oz). Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Warm the small flour tortillas according to the package directions. Fill them with iceberg lettuce, seasoned beef, tomato, shredded cheddar, red onion, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if using. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
