Description
These Ground Beef Tacos are a nostalgic delight, featuring perfectly seasoned beef and fresh pico de gallo. A quick and flavorful meal that brings the family together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking)
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft, your choice)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well and set aside. This should take about 5 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink.
- Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning over it. Stir to combine thoroughly and add 1/4 cup of water. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- While the beef is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you’re using hard taco shells. Arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 10 minutes until crispy.
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 diced tomatoes, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1 jalapeño pepper (if using), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, juice of 1 lime, and salt to taste. Mix well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef, followed by a generous spoonful of pico de gallo. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado if desired. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.