Beef Tacos Soft Tortillas (Printable Version)
Juicy, seasoned beef, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings make this a beloved and easy-to-prepare meal for any occasion.
# What You Need:
→ For the Beef Filling
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/3 cup tomato sauce or passata
12 - 2 tablespoons water
→ For the Soft Tortillas
13 - 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch diameter), warmed
→ Toppings (optional)
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 3/4 cup grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
16 - 1 medium tomato, diced
17 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream
19 - 1 avocado, sliced or diced
20 - Fresh cilantro leaves
21 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it softens.
02 - Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
05 - Add the tomato sauce and water to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors are well combined. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
06 - Gently warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable.
07 - Spoon the beef filling evenly onto the center of each warm tortilla. Garnish with your desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, tomato, red onion, sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
08 - Serve the tacos hot with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's a weeknight warrior, tasting like an elaborate feast but coming together faster than takeout.
- You get to be the architect of your own perfect bite, piling on all your favorite vibrant toppings just the way you like them.
02 -
- The biggest game-changer for me was learning to really let the ground beef brown properly before adding the spices; it develops an incredible depth of flavor you can't rush.
- Never skip warming your tortillas; a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side transforms them into soft, pliable vessels that won't crack under pressure.
03 -
- Resist the urge to over-simmer the beef filling; you want it saucy and cohesive, not dry.
- A final generous squeeze of fresh lime juice over the cooked beef right before serving truly brightens all the flavors and adds that essential zing.