Quick and Easy Homemade Beef Tacos
These tacos feature juicy ground beef seasoned with homemade taco spices, making for a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- shredded lettuce
- shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- chopped tomatoes
- chopped red onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Taco Meat
Tools and Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | olive oil | ||
| 1 pound | lean ground beef | ||
| 2 teaspoons | chili powder | paprika | |
| 2 teaspoons | cumin | ||
| 2 tablespoons | tomato paste | tomato sauce | |
| 1/2 cup | water | ||
| 1/2 teaspoon | oregano | ||
| 1/2 teaspoon | garlic powder | onion powder | |
| 1/2 teaspoon | salt | ||
| 1/2 teaspoon | black pepper |
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. (Tips: Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces while cooking for even browning.)
- Step 2: Add the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine and cook over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes. (Tips: Keep an eye on the moisture level to avoid drying out the meat.)
Additional Information
Notes: For a low-carb alternative, consider using taco bowls or lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.