Description
Mexican ground beef tacos offer a delightful culinary journey through authentic flavors. Crisp tortillas, seasoned meat, and fresh toppings create a simple, satisfying meal you’ll savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Taco Seasoning:
- 1 packet (1.25 ounces/35 grams) taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) chopped cilantro (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
Taco Shells and Topping:
- 8–10 taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Garnish:
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining the fat from the cooked meat.
- Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture and pour in water, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, watching as the sauce gradually thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- While the meat simmers, prepare taco shells by warming them in the oven according to package guidelines, typically 3-5 minutes at 350°F.
- Carefully construct each taco by spooning the seasoned beef into the crisp shells.
- Enhance the tacos with a generous layer of fresh toppings, including crisp shredded lettuce, sharp shredded cheese, juicy diced tomatoes, creamy sour cream, zesty salsa, and vibrant chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy taco filling and reduce excess grease for a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
- Customize seasoning intensity by adjusting taco mix amount or creating a homemade blend with fresh spices for deeper flavor profiles.
- Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein richness.
- Consider using soft tortillas instead of shells for easier eating and more versatile wrap options, perfect for different dining styles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg