Tacos are a classic Mexican dish that have become a staple in many households around the world. They are incredibly versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week. Beef tacos are a personal favorite, and this recipe will show you how to make them from scratch in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8-10 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until spices are fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Fill each shell with a spoonful of beef mixture, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with your favorite meat alternative, such as tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit. Or, skip the meat altogether and load up on veggies like sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free taco shells or wrap the beef mixture in lettuce cups instead.
- Spicier: Add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture or sprinkle some hot sauce over the finished tacos.
- Healthier: Use lean ground beef or turkey, or swap out the sour cream and cheese for Greek yogurt and avocado.
No matter how you make them, beef tacos are a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. So next time you’re in the mood for Mexican food, give this recipe a try!
FAQ
What type of beef should I use for Beef Tacos?
For beef tacos, you can use any cut of beef, but we recommend using flank steak, sirloin steak or skirt steak. These cuts are tender and flavorful and work well for tacos.
How do I season the beef for Beef Tacos?
You can season the beef with a variety of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Mix the spices together and rub the mixture all over the beef. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use ground beef instead of steak for Beef Tacos?
Yes, you can use ground beef instead of steak for Beef Tacos. Brown the ground beef in a pan and add your desired seasonings before adding it to the taco shells.
How do I cook the beef for Beef Tacos?
You can grill, broil, or pan-fry the beef for Beef Tacos. Heat your grill, broiler, or pan on high heat and cook the beef for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
What toppings can I add to Beef Tacos?
You can add a variety of toppings to Beef Tacos such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. You can also add jalapenos, black beans or corn to your tacos.
Can I make Beef Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Beef Tacos ahead of time. Cook the beef and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the tacos just before serving.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for Beef Tacos?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for Beef Tacos. Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos and have a slightly different flavor and texture than flour tortillas.
How do I warm up the tortillas for Beef Tacos?
You can warm up the tortillas by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side. You can also wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave them for 30 seconds.
How do I store leftover Beef Tacos?
Store leftover Beef Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and tortillas separately before assembling the tacos.
How spicy should my Beef Tacos be?
The spiciness level of Beef Tacos is up to your personal preference. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the jalapenos and use mild salsa. If you like spicy food, you can add more jalapenos or use hot salsa.
