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Soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, onion, cilantro, and salsa roja

Weeknight Ground Beef Tacos on Soft Corn Tortillas

A quick tomato and chile mixture seasons browned ground beef for a simple taco night, served on warm corn tortillas.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 440 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil, if the skillet is dry
  • ½ medium white onion, finely diced, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon mild chile powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
  • cup low sodium beef broth or water
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • ½ cup restaurant style salsa roja, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the beef and press it into an even layer. Leave it undisturbed for 3 minutes to brown, then break it into small pieces and cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Add oil if the pan is dry. Stir in half the diced onion and cook 2 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, chile powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Add broth and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is moist but no free liquid pools in the pan. Taste and adjust salt.
  • Warm tortillas on a dry skillet for about 20 seconds per side, then wrap in a clean towel to keep them pliable.
  • Fill each tortilla with beef. Top with remaining onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and salsa roja. Serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition is an ingredient-based estimate; brands and portions vary.