Classic Beef Tacos with All the Fixings

Tacos are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of culture, flavor, and community that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world. As a staple of Mexican cuisine, tacos offer a unique combination of flavors and textures wrapped in a warm tortilla, making them a beloved dish across various demographics. From bustling street vendors in Mexico City to gourmet restaurants in New York, beef tacos have become a universal favorite, showcasing the versatility and richness of Mexican culinary traditions.

Discover the joy of creating Flavorful Fiesta Beef Tacos with this detailed guide that celebrates the rich tastes of Mexican cuisine. You'll learn how to prepare a delicious ground beef filling, seasoned with aromatic spices and topped with fresh veggies, cheese, and zesty lime. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a newcomer, this recipe will make taco night unforgettable. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with homemade tacos!

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Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup beef broth (or water)

For the Tacos:

8 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, cut into wedges

Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).

Add Seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef in spices. Pour in the beef broth and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Warm the Tortillas: While the beef is simmering, in a separate dry skillet over medium heat, warm the tortillas one at a time for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable. Keep them covered with a clean towel to stay warm.

Assemble Tacos: To each tortilla, add a generous scoop of the beef filling. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.

Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the topped tacos. Serve with lime wedges on the side and optional hot sauce for some extra heat.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings