Beef Tacos with Soft Tortillas (Printable version)

Seasoned ground beef with fresh toppings in warm soft tortillas

# Ingredient List:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1/4 cup water

→ Tortillas

13 - 8 small soft flour tortillas

→ Toppings

14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/4 cup sour cream
18 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced or mashed
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves
20 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add tomato paste and water. Mix well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
06 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
07 - Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The beef filling gets infinitely better after the spices bloom in the pan so do not rush that step
  • Everyone customizes their own tacos which somehow eliminates complaints about onions
  • These taste like a proper taco truck stopped by your kitchen for approximately twenty dollars less
02 -
  • Warm tortillas make or break the entire taco experience because cold tortillas crack immediately and you end up eating the filling with a fork
  • Draining the beef fat prevents soggy tortillas but do not remove every drop because some fat carries flavor
  • The spice mixture needs at least one minute in the hot pan to develop properly so resist the urge to rush ahead
03 -
  • Double the beef filling and freeze half for an even faster dinner next week
  • Mix a little lime juice into your sour cream for an instant crema upgrade
  • Let the beef rest in the spice mixture for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors really settle in

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