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Quick Flavorful 30-Minute Beef Tacos

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A quick and easy beef taco recipe ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold, nostalgic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juicy flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water (60 ml)
  • 8 small soft taco shells (flour or corn tortillas)
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 small onion and mince 2 garlic cloves (about 5 minutes prep).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes until nicely browned but still juicy.
  5. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and mix thoroughly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  7. Pour in 1/4 cup beef broth or water to keep the mixture moist. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. While the beef simmers, warm 8 small tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for about 30 seconds until pliable.
  9. Spoon the beef mixture into tortillas and top with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
  10. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. For leaner meat, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños for extra heat. Avoid overcooking beef to keep it juicy. Tomato paste adds rich umami flavor. Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, quick tacos, easy taco recipe, 30-minute meals, taco night, ground beef tacos, family dinner

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-flavorful-30-minute-beef-tacos-easy-recipe-for-taco-night/