Championship Beef Tacos (Printable)
Delicious seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings create a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any occasion.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
05 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/3 cup beef broth or water
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Tacos & Toppings
13 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
16 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
17 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
20 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Introduce the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
03 - Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to 'bloom' the spices and enhance their flavor. Pour in the beef broth or water, stir well to combine all ingredients, and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove the skillet from heat.
04 - Warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, or heat them in a microwave until pliable.
05 - Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture into the center of each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's a guaranteed hit with everyone, even the pickiest eaters, making dinner dilemmas disappear.
- The rich, seasoned beef comes together so quickly, you'll feel like a culinary wizard on a weeknight.
02 -
- Don't skimp on draining the fat; it's key to a flavorful, not greasy, taco filling.
- Warming the tortillas properly makes a world of difference in their texture and how well they hold all those delicious fillings.
03 -
- Let the spices toast for a minute before adding liquid; this "blooming" step truly intensifies their flavor.
- Make the beef filling ahead of time; the flavors deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious and quick meal.