Smoky Ground Beef Tacos🍖 Main

Name: Smoky Ground Beef Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp dried oregano; 0.75 tsp fine sea salt, plus more as needed; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 lb lean ground beef, 90/10; 0.75 cup finely chopped onion, optional; 1 Anaheim pepper, deseeded and finely chopped, optional; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 0.5 cup chicken stock or water; 6 to 8 tortillas, corn or flour; Favorite taco toppings like cheese, cabbage, avocado, sour cream, pickled onions, pico de gallo, roasted tomato salsa, lime wedges, or hot sauce

This beloved household taco dish features seasoned lean beef combined with aromatic seasonings. Fresh vegetables like peppers and onions can be included for added crunch.

By Priya Patel, Recipe Curator

Prep: 10 minCook: 10 minServes: 4

quick easy ground beef tacos mexican weeknight dinner

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Good Mexican-inspired cooking is all about bold flavors and fresh ingredients coming together without fuss, and this recipe captures that spirit perfectly. This smoky ground beef tacos is the kind of meal that gets everyone to the table fast — it is vibrant, satisfying, and endlessly customizable to suit your household's tastes.

Add the garlic after the other aromatics have softened — it burns faster than onions and can turn bitter if it hits high heat for too long. When adding dairy, lower the heat first and stir continuously. Cream and cheese can break if they hit a rolling boil, and you want a silky, smooth result.

Set out the toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own — it is half the fun and means everyone gets exactly what they want. This recipe also works beautifully as a base for burrito bowls, nachos, or a loaded quesadilla the next day.

Ingredients

1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more as needed
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 lb lean ground beef, 90/10
3/4 cup finely chopped onion, optional
1 Anaheim pepper, deseeded and finely chopped, optional
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup chicken stock or water
6 to 8 tortillas, corn or flour
Favorite taco toppings like cheese, cabbage, avocado, sour cream, pickled onions, pico de gallo, roasted tomato salsa, lime wedges, or hot sauce

Nutrition (Per 4 servings)*

374

Calories

27g

Protein

29g

Carbs

17g

Fat

Fiber

579mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

Make spice mix: In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt.
Make taco meat: Heat the avocado oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, pat it down into the skillet, and sprinkle the spice mixture over it. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, stirring until it begins to brown.
Stir in the onions and pepper, then cook, moving them around the pan until they begin to soften and the onions smell sweet, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the chicken stock (or water) and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste, then add more salt if you think it needs it.
Warm tortillas: For a gas burner, turn the burner to medium, place the tortilla over the flame, and heat through. When it starts to blister a bit, flip and warm the second side. Continue with the remaining tortillas. Alternatively, to warm in a skillet, place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, add the tortillas (one at a time), and cook until warm, soft, and toasty. Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean dish towel to keep them warm.
Build tacos: Divide the beef between warmed tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings.