Ground Beef Tacos
Elevate your taco night with this quick and delicious recipe for ground beef tacos. Packed with bold flavors, crunchy napa cabbage, and creamy homemade guacamole, this dish is perfect for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef 85–90% lean
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/3 cup beef broth
For the Tacos
- 8 small corn tortillas soft or hard-shell
- 1 cup napa cabbage thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
For the Guacamole
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
Prepare the Guacamole:
- Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl.
- Mash it with a fork until smooth or slightly chunky.
- Add lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Mix in cilantro if desired and refrigerate until ready to use.
Prep the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the napa cabbage and dice the cherry tomatoes and red onion. Set aside.
Cooking Steps
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Season the Beef:
- Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Heat the Tortillas:
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each tortilla with seasoned ground beef.
- Top with napa cabbage, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese.
- Add a generous dollop of guacamole. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap napa cabbage for romaine or iceberg lettuce for a milder crunch.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef seasoning for extra heat.