Beef Tacos Soft Tortillas (Printable)
Flavorful ground beef, tender tortillas, and fresh toppings combine for a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal.
# What You Need:
→ For the Beef Filling
01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
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
12 - 2 tablespoons water
→ For the Soft Tortillas
13 - 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch diameter)
→ Optional Toppings
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 3/4 cup shredded 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 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat.
04 - Stir in 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the beef.
05 - Pour in 1/3 cup of tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors are well combined. Adjust seasoning as desired.
06 - Gently warm the 8 small flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are pliable.
07 - Distribute the prepared beef filling evenly onto the center of each warmed tortilla. Garnish with your preferred toppings, such as shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomato, diced red onion, sour cream, sliced or diced avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves.
08 - Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You're going to adore how quickly these come together, making them perfect for those nights when time isn't exactly on your side.
- The customizable toppings mean everyone at the table gets exactly what they want, turning dinner into a fun, interactive event.
02 -
- Always drain the fat from your ground beef after browning; it makes for a much more appealing and less greasy taco filling.
- Properly warming your tortillas is a game-changer; it makes them soft, pliable, and so much more enjoyable to eat than stiff, cold ones.
03 -
- Always taste your beef filling before serving and don't be shy about adjusting the seasoning; a little more salt or a squeeze of lime can brighten everything up.
- A final spritz of fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos right before that first bite makes all the difference, cutting through the richness with a bright, zesty finish.