Beef Tacos
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Tacos are iconic Mexican street food with ancient roots dating back to indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica. Corn tortillas cradle a variety of fillings from seasoned meats to fresh vegetables, topped with vibrant salsas, herbs, and lime. This versatile handheld meal combines complex flavors and textures in each bite, representing the heart and soul of Mexican culinary tradition.
Time & Quantities
Method & Ingredients
Required Equipment: Skillet, wooden spoon, small bowls for toppings
Cooking Method: Not specified
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks - think of it as a delicious meat puzzle you're solving!
- Add diced onion to the beef and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices - your kitchen should now smell like a Mexican fiesta!
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water if mixture seems dry.
- Meanwhile, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for 20-30 seconds per side.
- Arrange warmed tortillas on plates and spoon the beef mixture into each.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over tacos just before eating.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage Advice: Store components separately in refrigerator up to 3 days. Warm meat filling before serving.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips: Prepare meat filling up to 2 days ahead. Chop toppings a few hours before serving. Not recommended for freezing.
Nutritional & Dietary Information
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 24g (Saturated: 9g)
- Carbohydrates: 22g (Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 3g)
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Allergen Information: Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream), wheat (if using flour tortillas instead of corn)
Dietary Information: Contains dairy; not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies. Can be made dairy-free by omitting cheese and sour cream.
Serving & Variations
Serving Suggestions: Serve family-style with bowls of toppings so everyone can build their own perfect taco. Include Mexican rice and refried beans on the side for a complete meal.
Wine or Drink Pairing: Mexican lager beer with lime makes a classic pairing. For wine lovers, try a Spanish Garnacha or California Zinfandel with enough body to stand up to the spices.
Possible Recipe Variations: Fish Tacos: Substitute seasoned grilled fish and add cabbage slaw. Vegetarian Tacos: Use seasoned black beans or lentils instead of meat. Breakfast Tacos: Fill with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and potatoes.
Additional Notes: Authentic Mexican tacos often use just meat, onions, cilantro and lime - feel free to simplify.
Taco Tuesday inspiration!
Game changer for busy weeknights! Made a big batch on Sunday and froze them individually. The seasoning is perfect – tastes authentic. Pro tip: warm the tortillas before rolling or they’ll crack. My kids request these constantly now!