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Quick 20-Minute Beef Tacos

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A quick and easy beef taco recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring seasoned lean ground beef, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water (60 ml)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Toppings (choose your favorites): diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), avocado slices or guacamole, pickled jalap…

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until no longer pink.
  5. Sprinkle the mixed taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat evenly. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and mix until combined.
  6. Pour in 1/4 cup beef broth or water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 3 minutes to keep beef moist and blend flavors.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
  8. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave, keeping them wrapped in a towel to stay soft.
  9. Assemble tacos by spooning the seasoned beef onto each tortilla and adding your favorite toppings.

Notes

If the beef mixture seems dry, add a splash more broth during simmering. Avoid overcrowding the pan to help beef brown better. Use fresh lime juice at the end to brighten flavors. For gluten-free, use certified corn tortillas. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives. Warm tortillas wrapped in a towel to keep soft. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy tacos, ground beef recipe, Mexican food, taco seasoning, family dinner

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/quick-20-minute-beef-tacos-recipe-easy-flavorful-weeknight-dinner-idea/