15-Minute Beef Tacos
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15-Minute Beef Tacos

Seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings. Faster than the drive-thru.

Prep 5 minCook 10 minTotal 15 minServes 4Cost $2.50/serving★ 4.7(189)

Servings

Est. total: $10.00 · $2.50/serving

Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 8 pieces corn tortillas
  • 1 whole lime
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/2 whole white onion (diced)
  • 1 whole avocado

Instructions

  1. 1

    Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains and internal temp reaches 160°F. About 5 minutes.

    1 lb ground beef
  2. 2

    Drain excess fat. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to coat.

    2 tsp chili powder1 tsp cumin1/2 tsp garlic powder1/2 tsp onion powder3/4 tsp salt
  3. 3

    Add water. Simmer 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.

    1/4 cup water
  4. 4

    Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas burner flame for 15 seconds per side.

    8 pieces corn tortillas
  5. 5

    Load tortillas with beef, diced onion, cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

    1/2 whole white onion1/4 cup cilantro1 whole avocado1 whole lime

Pairs With

🍺Mexican Lager$

Modelo Especial or Pacifico

Classic pairing. Light, crisp, cuts through the seasoned beef

🍸Margarita$$

Tequila, lime, Cointreau. On the rocks, salt rim.

The lime bridges to the taco's citrus. Salt amplifies everything.

🧃Agua Fresca$

Watermelon or cucumber lime

Cool and sweet against the savory spiced meat

Nutrition

113

Calories

7

Proteing

7

Carbsg

7

Fatg

Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Tips

  • •Double the meat and freeze half for next taco night.

Substitutions

  • ground beef → ground turkey or chicken (use 93% lean)
  • corn tortillas → flour tortillas or lettuce wraps (low-carb)
  • cilantro → skip it if you're one of those people. No judgment.

Leftovers

Meat keeps 4 days refrigerated. Great over rice or nachos.

Leftover Ideas

Taco salad bowlsLoaded nachosQuesadillasBeef and rice burrito bowls

Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.

Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.

Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.

Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.