Beef Tacos Soft Tortillas (Printer-friendly)

Seasoned ground beef paired with warm soft tortillas and fresh garnishes for a classic crowd-pleaser.

# What You Need:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1.1 pounds 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 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon beef broth or water

→ Soft Tortillas

13 - 8 small flour tortillas

→ Optional Toppings

14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 0.5 cup sour cream
18 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves
20 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
05 - Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Pour in beef broth or water, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if required.
06 - Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
07 - Spoon the beef filling into each warm tortilla. Add desired toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in one pan, so cleanup is almost nonexistent.
  • The spice blend toasts right into the beef, creating layers of flavor without any fancy technique.
  • Soft tortillas are forgiving and they let you pile on toppings without cracking or crumbling.
  • This recipe scales up beautifully for a crowd or scales down for two without any fuss.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the spices, that one minute transforms them from flat powder into something fragrant and complex.
  • If your beef filling looks dry after simmering, add a splash more broth, the moisture keeps it tender and flavorful.
  • Warm your tortillas just before serving, cold tortillas tear easily and don't taste nearly as good.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the beef a better sear.
  • Taste the filling before you assemble the tacos and adjust the salt or spices, everyone's palate is different.
  • If you have time, let the beef filling rest for five minutes before serving, the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens just a bit more.

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