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Old School Beef Tacos


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (2 small tacos per person) 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

Classic ground beef tacos with toasted spices, served in warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef
  • 45 ml (3 tbsp) neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (~150 g / 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (9 g)
  • 2 tsp (6 g) chili powder
  • 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (4 g) kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) low-sodium beef or chicken stock
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) tomato paste
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
  • Garnishes: chopped white onion, cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco or grated cheddar, and hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spices by toasting chili powder and cumin in a dry pan for 20–30 seconds.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
  3. Add ground beef in an even layer and sear for 2–3 minutes, then stir until browned.
  4. Incorporate diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and spices.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly before deglazing the pan with stock. Add vinegar or lime juice.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, let rest for 2 minutes, adjusting moisture if needed.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave, then fill with beef mixture and garnishes.

Notes

For best flavor, avoid overcooking the meat and serve with freshly squeezed lime.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg