Description
This 30-Minute Ground Beef Tacos recipe features a flavorful homemade taco seasoning blended with ground beef simmered in a tomato paste and beef broth sauce. Served with fresh pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, cheddar jack cheese, and sour cream, these tacos deliver a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Taco Seasoning
- 1 tbsp chili powder (up to 2 tbsp depending on preference for heat)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp coriander
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Pico de Gallo
- 2 roma tomatoes (diced to ½” – about 1 cup)
- ½ small white onion (diced to ½” – about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
Beef Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped to ¼”)
- 1 lb ground beef (80-90% lean)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
To Serve
- 12 soft corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- ¼ head iceberg lettuce (shredded)
- ⅓ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Make the Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl or lidded jar, combine all the taco seasoning ingredients (chili powder, cumin, cornstarch, paprika, kosher salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, coriander, oregano, and red pepper flakes). Stir or shake vigorously to blend the spices evenly.
- Prepare the Tomato Broth Mixture: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste until smooth and fully combined to create a rich sauce base.
- Make Pico de Gallo: In a separate bowl, combine diced roma tomatoes, diced white onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, kosher salt, and ground pepper. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning with lime juice, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Place in the refrigerator to marinate while you cook the beef filling.
- Cook the Onion and Beef: Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until well browned and onions begin to caramelize around edges, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning evenly over the beef and onions. Stir continuously to coat and integrate the spices fully into the mixture, cooking until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Tomato Paste Mixture: Pour the beef broth and tomato paste mixture into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat slightly and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the sauce thickens, around 5 minutes.
- Serve the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar jack cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder quantity based on preferred spice level.
- Use corn tortillas for an authentic taco experience or substitute with flour tortillas if preferred.
- For extra zest, add a few slices of avocado or a splash of hot sauce when serving.
- Leftover beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To save time, prepare taco seasoning in bulk and store for future use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: ground beef tacos, quick tacos, easy taco recipe, homemade taco seasoning, pico de gallo, Mexican dinner, weeknight meals
