Spicy Beef Tacos Flavorful (Printable)

Ground beef seasoned with spices, served in warm tortillas topped with fresh garnishes for a vibrant meal.

# What You Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
05 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
06 - 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
07 - 1 avocado, sliced
08 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

→ Spices

09 - 1½ tsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
12 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
13 - ½ tsp dried oregano
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Other

16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
17 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
18 - ½ cup sour cream
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
20 - 1 tbsp olive oil

# How To Cook:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and jalapeño, sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Incorporate diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until pliable and warm.
07 - Divide beef mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze lime over the top.
08 - Serve immediately accompanied by extra lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It’s the kind of spice blend that feels like sharing a secret with a friend on a cozy night in
  • The perfect balance of fresh and zesty toppings always makes this a crowd favorite
02 -
  • Don’t rush browning the beef; letting it develop a good color adds so much to the flavor
  • Adjusting the jalapeño seeds is a game changer depending on your heat tolerance
03 -
  • Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef for the best texture and prevent overcooking
  • Letting the spices bloom in the hot fat before adding tomatoes deepens the flavor remarkably