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Recipe:

Beef Tacos

By - 03/13/2025

These homemade beef tacos are packed with savory, seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and soft tortillas. They make a perfect family meal, easy to prepare and full of delicious flavors. Customize with your favorite garnishes for an authentic Mexican experience.

Preparation and Yield

 Cook time: 20 min  Prep time: 15 min  Total time: 35 min  4 servings 

Nutrition:

 350 calories per serving  18 grams of fat per serving
Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

500g ground beef 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup water 8 small tortillas 1 cup shredded lettuce 1/2 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Drain excess fat, then season the beef with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce and water, then let simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Meanwhile, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the seasoned beef mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade beef tacos!

The Essence of Mexican Street Tacos

Mexican street tacos are famous for their bold flavors, simple ingredients, and vibrant toppings. Unlike Americanized tacos, these use soft corn tortillas and focus on the rich, spiced meat rather than heavy toppings. Authentic tacos are often served with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime, bringing out the savory essence of the filling.

Choosing the Best Tortillas for Tacos

While flour tortillas are common, corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor and texture for beef tacos. They offer a slightly nutty taste and are naturally gluten-free. To enhance their taste, lightly toast them on a dry skillet before assembling the tacos. This step gives them a delightful crispness while keeping them pliable.

Perfecting the Taco Seasoning

The secret to mouthwatering tacos lies in the seasoning. A blend of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder creates a robust and aromatic flavor profile. Adjusting spice levels allows customization to suit your preference. Adding a splash of lime juice at the end brightens up the overall taste, enhancing the beef’s natural richness.

FAQs about Beef Tacos

1 What is the best beef cut for tacos?

Ground beef is the most common choice for tacos due to its quick cooking time and ability to absorb flavors. However, you can also use skirt steak or flank steak for a more authentic, juicy taco experience. Marinate the steak and grill it for the best results.

2 How can I make my taco meat more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, use a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let the beef simmer with tomato sauce and a splash of lime juice. Adding a bit of beef broth can also deepen the richness of the taco filling.

3 What toppings go best with beef tacos?

Traditional toppings include fresh cilantro, diced onions, shredded lettuce, and tomatoes. For extra flavor, try adding sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos adds a bright, tangy kick.

4 Can I prepare taco meat in advance?

Yes! You can cook and season the beef ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet before serving to restore the texture and enhance the flavors.

5 Are beef tacos gluten-free?

Beef tacos can be gluten-free if you use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Always check the labels on seasonings and sauces, as some may contain hidden gluten. Fresh, homemade taco seasoning is the best way to ensure a gluten-free meal.


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