Best Beef Tacos
Taco Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. I’m happy to have tacos on any day! I always love Asian food, but Mexican is a close second for me. My favorite Mexican restaurant is a place that I have basically committed my life to. I love their enchiladas and I will never order anything else. Usually, I don’t attempt them at home because then I just want those instead. Tacos, however, are great for making at home. Enter- the best beef tacos.
Taco Time
Anyone have a favorite taco? I’m not opposed to fish, chicken, or beef, but when it comes to a quick dinner option, I go for the beef. I will have to share a DELICIOUS grilled chicken taco recipe with you guys when it is grilling weather again.
Until then, I will share my classic ground beef one. It’s a great meal that can be enjoyed in a taco shell, on a taco bowl, or as a taco salad, and definitely reheats well so you can eat it for a few days and a few difference ways too!
Really what makes a taco besides the base meat or vegetable is the toppings. You must have the right mix of textures and flavors to get that perfect bite. Pickled onions always seal the deal for me. You can do a quick pickle too if you want to add that to this recipe! Simple and the best flavor complement, in my opinion.
Spice is Nice
In order to make these, you just have to find a bunch of spices in your cabinet and mix them together. Skip the store-bought spice packet. It doesn’t taste good and there are a lot of ingredients you really don’t need. Many of these spices you likely already have in your pantry, so it’s not complicated! You can make extra and keep it for the next few times you are making tacos.
Secrets
​So, I also like to add in mushrooms. It may sound odd, but I’m always trying to sneak in more vegetables. With a toddler, you have to get those veggies into everything even though odds are they’ll eat one of every seven you make.
Plus, I like adding vegetables for myself because I’ve realized I don’t prioritize them in every meal as much as I should. So, all that to say, mushrooms are a nice addition here because you get the benefits and they’re barely noticeable! Obviously this is optional, but I would say it is a pro tip.
Steps
In a pan over medium-high heat, saute the onions and then add the mushrooms if you’re using them. Turn heat to medium and add ground beef. Saute until just browned and throw the garlic in for another minute.
Add that spice mixture and combine. Then you need some liquid. I think this is necessary to avoid the meat drying out. I use both broth and some tomato paste. If you want to drain the meat, you will lose that liquid so you’ll definitely need something else. I also like having some leftovers, and the added liquid helps for reheating.Â
Once everything is in the pan, bring to a low boil and let the sauce thicken. Add salt to taste and serve!
This is such a quick meal and a taco is always yummy! My favorite toppings include but are not limited to the following: shredded Mexican blend cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, lettuce, and pickled onions. Tacos any night of the week! Enjoy these.
Best Beef Tacos
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs ground beef
- 2 tbsp avocado or canola oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- *Optional- 4 oz mushrooms finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- salt to taste
Suggested Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Lime
- Pickled onions
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Lettuce
Instructions
- Roughly chop onions and mince garlic
- If using mushrooms, finely chop them and set aside
- Heat pan and add oil. Once heated, add onions and saute for 3-5 minutes
- Once onions are translucent, add mushrooms if using.
- Then add ground beef. Cook on medium-low so meat doesn’t over cook. Just slightly brown. Drain if you want to. This could depend on the type of beef you’re using and your preference!
- Add minced garlic and saute for another minute before adding all spices.
- Once everything is combined in the pan, add the tomato paste and broth.
- Bring to slight boil and allow the sauce to thicken. This takes less than five minutes.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings! Or go for a taco bowl or salad form. Any way will be delicious!
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