Beef Tacos with Soft Flour Tortillas (Printable)
Seasoned ground beef in pillowy flour tortillas topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and zesty lime.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 2 tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
12 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
→ For the Tortillas & Toppings
13 - 8 small soft flour tortillas (6-inch)
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
16 - 3/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 1/2 cup sour cream
18 - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
19 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
20 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and broth, stirring well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
05 - Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
06 - Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños if desired, and a squeeze of lime juice.
07 - Serve tacos immediately while tortillas are warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The beef mixture actually tastes better when made ahead, giving you permission to prep everything before guests arrive so you can actually enjoy the party too.
- These tacos thread the needle between comfort food and feeling somehow special, making them perfect for both Monday night dinners and casual weekend gatherings with friends.
02 -
- Draining excess fat after browning the beef is optional but leaving a little behind adds flavor - I learned to drain just enough so its not swimming in grease but still has that richness.
- The beef mixture actually tastes better the next day, so consider making it ahead and reheating it with a splash of water to bring back the moisture.
03 -
- Warm your serving plate before adding the tortillas and fillings - this simple step keeps everything from cooling down too quickly as people are building their tacos.
- When cooking for both spice-lovers and those with milder preferences, keep the beef seasoning at a medium level and offer hot sauce or fresh jalapeños on the side.