Authentic Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
The ultimate weeknight dinner that brings the taqueria to your kitchen
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Non-vegetarian, dairy-free optional
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
Alternative tools:
- Slow cooker (for make-ahead version)
- Air fryer (for crisping tortillas)
INGREDIENTS
For the Taco Meat:
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/160g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon/15g)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
Seasoning Mix:
- 4 tablespoons (60g) chili powder
- 2 teaspoons (10g) ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons (10g) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons (7.5g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
For Serving:
- 12-16 corn tortillas (6-inch/15cm)
- Lime wedges
- Diced onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Crumbled cotija cheese (or shredded cheddar)
METHOD
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add diced onion, cook until translucent (3-4 minutes)
- Add minced garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with wooden spoon
- Cook until no pink remains (6-8 minutes)
- Visual cue: Meat should be evenly browned
- Drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in pan
- Add all seasoning ingredients and beef broth
- Stir to combine thoroughly
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Simmer 15-20 minutes until liquid reduces
- Meanwhile, warm tortillas:
- Heat in dry skillet 30 seconds per side
- Or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning meat
- Keep meat slightly moist, not dry
- Warm tortillas just before serving
- Double-stack tortillas for authentic street-taco style
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Meat keeps 3-4 days refrigerated
- Freeze up to 3 months in airtight container
Variations:
- Swap beef for ground turkey (add extra oil)
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn
- Add diced potatoes for “tacos de papas con carne”
Common Mistakes:
- Using lean beef (needs fat for flavor)
- Skipping the simmer time
- Not warming tortillas
This recipe brings authentic Mexican taco flavor right to your kitchen – no taco seasoning packets needed! The key is building layers of flavor through proper browning and allowing time for the seasonings to meld. ¡Buen provecho!
