Description
Enjoy flavorful, sizzling quick beef tacos for any occasion. This recipe features seasoned ground beef, fresh salsa, and simple assembly for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping (optional)
- Extra lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess grease. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 2 tablespoons lime juice, mix well, and remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Season with salt and mix. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet for about 30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred.
- Assemble tacos: Place seasoned beef onto a warmed tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, and optional sour cream or Greek yogurt. Spoon fresh salsa over the top.
- Serve tacos with extra lime wedges.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, remove jalapeño seeds or use less.
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best salsa flavor.
- Fresh cilantro provides a bright flavor; parsley can be substituted if you dislike cilantro.
- Warm tortillas to make them pliable and enhance flavor.
- Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
- Pair with limeade, mango iced tea, light lager, or a margarita.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying/Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: Approx. 350-450 (will vary based on toppings)
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Moderate
- Fat: Moderate
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Unsaturated Fat: Moderate
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: High
- Cholesterol: Moderate