Classic Beef Tacos

• 500 g ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ cup water
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1 jar your favorite salsa

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown the Beef

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan, leaving just enough to coat the bottom for sautéing the aromatics.

2. 2

   Build the Flavor

   Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, coating the meat evenly with the spices. Toast the spices for about 1 minute to bloom their flavors.

3. 3

   Simmer the Filling

   Pour in the water and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and you have a thick, flavorful meat mixture. Season with salt to taste.

4. 4

   Warm the Tortillas

   While the meat simmers, warm your tortillas. For the best texture, heat them directly over a gas flame for 15-20 seconds per side, or warm them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.

5. 5

   Assemble and Serve

   Set up a taco bar with all your toppings in separate bowls. Spoon the seasoned beef into warm tortillas and let everyone customize their own tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately while the tortillas are warm.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (approximate values)