Description
Mexican street tacos burst with bold flavors, featuring succulent beef nestled in warm tortillas with melted cheese. Zesty spices and fresh toppings create an irresistible experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (lb) / 454 grams ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Base and Spices:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) / 15 milliliters taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon (tsp) smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup / 60 milliliters tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) / 15 milliliters olive oil
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the beef filling by sautéing ground beef with diced onions in a skillet over medium heat, systematically breaking down the meat until it browns evenly.
- Once the meat transforms to a rich golden color and onions become translucent, eliminate any excess fat from the pan.
- Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, aromatic taco seasoning, smoky paprika, and tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify during a gentle 15-minute simmer.
- Taste and fine-tune the seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Warm a separate skillet with a light coating of olive oil, creating a crisp cooking surface for the tortillas.
- Layer a tortilla in the skillet, strategically sprinkling shredded cheese on one half of the surface.
- Generously spoon the seasoned beef mixture atop the melting cheese, then fold the tortilla into a half-moon shape, pressing gently to seal.
- Griddle each taco for approximately 2 minutes per side, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and completely melted cheese interior.
- Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and beef filling.
- Present the tacos immediately, garnishing with fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, or preferred toppings for a vibrant and zesty finish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier taco version.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using mild/hot varieties to suit different taste preferences.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or swap beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian alternative.
- Pat ground beef dry before cooking to help achieve better browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg