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Quick Ground Beef Tacos Recipe Easy 20 Minute Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy ground beef tacos recipe ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This flavorful and flexible recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers satisfying, bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked if possible)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • Toppings (choose your favorites): shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices or guacamole, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Set your toppings nearby for quick assembly later. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks. (3-4 minutes)
  3. Stir occasionally until the beef is no longer pink and starts to brown (about 6-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1/4 cup (60 ml) water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. While the beef simmers, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp cloth for 20-30 seconds.
  8. Spoon the seasoned beef into each warm tortilla. Top with your favorites like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and drain excess fat if needed. Toast spices briefly for enhanced flavor. Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft. Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check seasoning ingredients. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can substitute beef. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, quick tacos, easy dinner, taco recipe, weeknight dinner, Mexican food, 20 minute meal

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/quick-ground-beef-tacos-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-idea/