Name: Simple Ground Beef Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: halal
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) ground beef; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Simple Ground Beef Tacos

Easy and delicious ground beef tacos that are perfect for beginners. This quick meal comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Serve with your favorite toppings for a customizable, satisfying dinner.

30 min

Easy

4 servings

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Taste Profile

Sweet3/10

Salty5/10

Sour2/10

Umami7/10

Spicy2/10

🥄 Texture

The filling is crumbly and meaty with a slightly saucy coating from the tomato paste, while softened onions add a tender base. Fresh shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes contribute a crisp, juicy contrast and melty cheddar adds a creamy, slightly chewy finish inside soft or lightly toasted tortillas.

👃 Aroma

A warm, savory aroma dominated by browned beef, sautéed onion and garlic with warm notes of cumin and paprika. A faint tomato sweetness and the toasty scent of warmed tortillas round out the fragrant profile.

🍷 Pairs Well With

A crisp Mexican lager or light pilsner pairs well; alternatively a lime margarita or sparkling water with lime complements the flavors.

🥗 Side Dishes

Mexican rice, black beans or refried beans, tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or grilled corn (elote) are all good side options.

Ingredients(14 items)

11 pound (450g) ground beef

22 tablespoons vegetable oil

31 medium onion (diced)

42 cloves garlic (minced)

52 tablespoons tomato paste

61/2 cup water

71 teaspoon ground cumin

81 teaspoon paprika

91/2 teaspoon salt

101/4 teaspoon black pepper

118 small corn or flour tortillas

121 cup shredded lettuce

131 cup diced tomatoes

141/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Wait about 1 minute until the oil is hot.

Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. You should smell the garlic aroma.

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.

Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well for about 1 minute until the spices are evenly distributed.

Add 1/2 cup of water and stir. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Place the beef mixture in each tortilla and top with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Serve immediately.