Dinner

Beef Tacos – Simple & Delicious Recipe

Byluca Carter December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

These Beef Tacos are a quick and delicious way to bring bold, fresh flavors to your dinner table. Perfect for a weeknight meal, they combine seasoned ground beef with crisp taco shells and your favorite toppings for a satisfying taco night.

Three yellow crunchy taco shells are lined up side by side on a wooden board with a white marbled texture beneath. Each taco shell is filled with a layer of finely ground dark brown cooked meat at the bottom. Above the meat, there is a topping of small bright red tomato pieces mixed with white diced onions and chopped fresh green cilantro leaves. A few lime wedges and blurred leafy greens can be seen in the background, adding fresh green accents to the scene. The lighting highlights the textures of the taco shells and the fresh toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
12 taco shells, hard or soft

1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
½ cup (120 g) salsa

Optional: sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the onion and mince the garlic to prepare your ingredients.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until no pink remains.

Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft, then stir in the minced garlic briefly.
Step 4: Season the beef mixture with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 6: Warm the taco shells in the oven or on a skillet according to the package instructions.
Step 7: Fill each taco shell with the beef mixture and top with shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and any optional toppings you like.
Step 8: Serve immediately while the tacos are warm and the shells are crisp.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the tacos before serving.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Try using corn tortillas for gluten-free tacos.

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices for a fresh, creamy finish.

Storage

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling tacos. Taco shells are best served fresh to retain their crispness, but soft tortillas can be wrapped in foil and warmed as needed.

How to Serve

Three small tacos sit side by side on a wooden surface with two lime wedges blurred in the background. Each taco has two layers: the yellowish-brown corn taco shell is the base, with a rough, slightly grainy texture. Inside, there is a thick layer of dark brown, finely crumbled cooked meat. On top, a fresh layer of diced white onions mixed with chopped green cilantro and bits of red onion adds color and texture. A few sprigs of cilantro are scattered near the edges of the tacos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before using.

What toppings go best with these beef tacos?

Classic toppings include shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Feel free to customize based on your taste preferences.