Entree: United States – Texas – Tex‑Mex Seasoned Ground Beef Tacos (Seasoned ground beef stuffed into tortillas with traditional toppings.)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Total 25 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (16 g) chili powder
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or beef broth
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 g) salsa or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes; drain excess fat if desired.
3. Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and water or broth; simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors meld.
4. Step 4: Spoon seasoned beef into warmed tortillas and top with shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.