Easy Beef Tacos
Taco night, made better with a quick homemade seasoning that tastes far fresher than the packet. The beef simmers in a little stock and tomato paste so it stays juicy and saucy inside every shell.
Updated
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 15 mins
- Total Time
- 25 mins
- Servings
- 8 tacos
Easy Beef Tacos at a glance
To make easy beef tacos, brown 500 g of lean ground beef with onion and garlic, stir in a homemade seasoning of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano and salt with tomato paste and stock, and simmer for 5 minutes. Cook ground beef to 71°C (160°F). Serve in warm tortillas with your favourite toppings.
- Total time
- 25 mins
- Calories
- 450 per serving
- Protein
- 30 g
- Yield
- 8 tacos
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Stovetop
Ingredients
Taco seasoning
Tacos
Toppings
Equipment
Large skillet · Small bowl
Quick Directions
- 1
Mix the seasoning
Stir together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- 2
Brown the beef
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Simmer with the sauce
Stir in the seasoning and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
Warm the tortillas and assemble
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect easy beef tacos.
- 1
Mix the seasoning
Stir together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- 2
Brown the beef
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion for 3 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and ground beef. Break up the beef and cook for 6-7 minutes until no pink remains and it reaches 71°C (160°F). Drain excess fat if needed.
- 3
Simmer with the sauce
Stir in the seasoning and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the stock and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring, until the liquid thickens and coats the beef.
- 4
Warm the tortillas and assemble
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 30 seconds. Fill with the beef and add your toppings.
Recipe Tips
- Use lean (not extra-lean) ground beef for juicy filling without much fat to drain.
- Make a big jar of the taco seasoning; it keeps for 6 months in the pantry.
- Set out toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own tacos.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken and cook to 74°C (165°F).
- Stir a can of rinsed black beans into the beef to stretch it further.
- Turn leftovers into a taco bowl with rice, beans, corn and salsa.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 34 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated fat | 8 g |
| Fibre | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Store the cooked beef filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze the filling for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water until hot throughout.
Easy Beef Tacos FAQs
What temperature should ground beef be cooked to?
Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F). It should have no pink remaining.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes. Use about 2 tablespoons of a packet seasoning and reduce the added salt, since most packets are already salty.
Are corn or flour tortillas better for tacos?
Both work. Corn tortillas have more flavour and are naturally gluten-free; flour tortillas are softer and less likely to crack. Warm either kind before filling.
How do I keep tacos from getting soggy?
Simmer the beef until the sauce is thick rather than watery, warm the tortillas well and add wet toppings such as salsa just before eating.
