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Easy Flavor-Packed Tacos Recipe for a Quick and Delicious Meal

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These easy flavor-packed tacos are quick to make, bursting with bold spices and fresh ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth or water
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (optional)
  • Grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco) (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • Avocado slices or guacamole (optional)
  • Hot sauce or sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the spices. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm until shimmering.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat meat evenly.
  6. Pour in 1/4 cup beef broth or water. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld spices and keep filling juicy.
  7. Warm tortillas one by one in a dry skillet or over a gas flame for about 20 seconds per side until soft. Keep warm wrapped in a towel.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the filling. Stir once more.
  9. Assemble tacos by spooning filling onto warm tortillas and adding desired toppings.
  10. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Keep heat medium to avoid burning spices. Add broth or water if filling looks dry. Warm tortillas properly to prevent tearing. Add lime juice last for fresh brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tacos, easy tacos, quick dinner, ground beef tacos, Mexican recipe, weeknight meal, flavorful tacos