# Classic Beef Tacos

Seasoned ground beef, crisp taco shells, and all the fixings — weeknight dinner done in under 30 minutes.

_Dinner · Mexican-American_

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 15 min · Total: 25 min · Yields: 4 servings

## Ingredients

- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- ½ medium yellow onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 8 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium tomato (diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa

## Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Drain all but about 1 tsp of fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.
3. Push the beef to one side and add the diced 0.5 medium yellow onion to the cleared space. Cook for 2 minutes until softened, then stir it into the beef.
4. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle in the 1.5 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.25 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
6. Pour in the 0.25 cup water and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the beef is saucy but not wet.
7. While the beef simmers, warm the 8 hard taco shells in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes until heated through and crisp.
8. Set out the 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, diced 1 medium tomato, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 0.5 cup sour cream, and 0.5 cup salsa in small bowls for topping.
9. Spoon the seasoned beef into the warmed taco shells and let everyone build their own with the toppings.

## Tip

> Drain the fat after browning but don't wipe the pan — those browned bits left behind absorb into the spice mix when you add the water, giving the filling noticeably more depth.

Tags: weeknight, 30-minute, comfort-food, one-pan, family-friendly

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Canonical: https://just-recipes.io/recipes/classic-beef-tacos