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Quick Ground Beef Tacos Recipe Perfect for Easy 25-Minute Meals

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A fast, flavorful ground beef taco recipe ready in 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup (60ml) beef broth or water
  • 8 small soft tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro leaves, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (5 minutes): Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out your spices and have your toppings ready.
  2. Heat the skillet and oil (2 minutes): Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic (3 minutes): Add chopped onions to the hot oil and cook until translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  4. Brown the ground beef (5-6 minutes): Crumble in the ground beef, spreading evenly. Let sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to brown, then stir and break up the beef. Cook until no pink remains.
  5. Add spices and tomato paste (2 minutes): Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat. Mix in tomato paste thoroughly.
  6. Pour in beef broth or water (2 minutes): Add ¼ cup beef broth or water. Simmer gently until most liquid evaporates but beef remains moist, about 2 minutes.
  7. Warm the tortillas (3 minutes): Warm tortillas by stacking on a plate covered with a damp cloth and microwaving for 30 seconds, or heat individually in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side.
  8. Assemble the tacos (2 minutes): Spoon beef mixture into warm tortillas. Add desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges.
  9. Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh and warm for best flavor.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef; cook in batches if needed for better caramelization. Let tomato paste cook with spices before adding liquid to deepen flavor. Avoid burning garlic by adding it last and watching closely. Warm tortillas with a damp cloth in microwave to keep pliable.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, quick tacos, easy dinner, weeknight meal, taco recipe, Mexican food, 25-minute meals

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-ground-beef-tacos-recipe-perfect-for-easy-25-minute-meals/