# Easy Beef Tacos

> 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.

Source: https://www.savourrecipes.com/recipe/easy-beef-tacos
Author: Cookwithmrdots | Published: Oct 8, 2026 | Updated: Oct 10, 2026
Categories: Easy Dinner Recipes
Collections: Quick Weeknight Dinners, Summer Recipes
Tags: Kid Friendly, 30-Minute Meals, High Protein

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.

## Key facts

- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 15 mins
- Total time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Method: Stovetop
- Calories: 450 per serving

## Ingredients

### Taco seasoning

- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
### Tacos

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef stock or water
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, or hard taco shells
### Toppings

- shredded lettuce, diced tomato, grated cheddar, sour cream, salsa, coriander and lime wedges

## Equipment

- Large skillet
- Small bowl

## Instructions

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.

## 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.

## Storage

- 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.

## Nutrition per serving (estimate)

| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 30 g | 34 g | 21 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.