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These easy tacos are perfect for a quick and fun family dinner night. Turn this meal into a build-your-own-taco station with minimal ingredients!

Key Ingredients

  • Flour taco shells: here you can use either a crunchy corn tortilla, soft flour tortilla, or a low carb substitute.
  • Beef: the protein! For all my plant based friends, use a plant based alternative like soy crumbles or tofu.
  • Sauce: salsa + guacamole…what could go wrong?
  • Cheese: a blend of mozzarella and cheddar is perfect!
  • Lettuce: for the crunch and freshness ya know?

Fun Facts About Tacos

  • Tacos have a long history, dating back to the time of the ancient Aztecs.
  • The word “taco” may have originated from the Spanish term “taco,” which means a plug or wad, referencing how ingredients are tucked into tortillas.
  • Taco Tuesday is a popular tradition in the United States, where people often enjoy tacos at discounted prices in restaurants.
  • The world’s most expensive taco was made with a gold-infused tortilla and contained Kobe beef, beluga caviar, black truffle brie cheese, and more luxurious ingredients.
  • Tacos are incredibly versatile and can be made with various fillings, from traditional options like carne asada and carnitas to innovative choices like fish or vegetarian fillings.
  • The “taco shell” we commonly associate with tacos, the U-shaped version, was popularized by Taco Bell and is known as a “taco shell” or “taco boat.”
  • Tacos are celebrated on “National Taco Day” in the United States, which falls on October 4th each year.
  • Mexico City set a world record for the largest taco ever made, weighing over a ton.
  • Tacos al pastor, a popular taco variety, was inspired by Lebanese immigrants who brought the concept of spit-roasted meat with them.

Science Behind Cooking Meat

  • The Maillard reaction creates flavor and crust when meat is seared.
  • Protein denaturation makes meat transition from raw to cooked.
  • Caramelization of sugars adds rich, sweet flavors to cooked meats.
  • Collagen transforms into gelatin during slow cooking, making meat tender.
  • Fat rendering adds moisture and mouthfeel to cooked meat.
  • Emulsification combines fat, water, and proteins in sauces and gravies.
  • Seasoning and flavor extraction enhance taste when cooking meat.
  • Carryover cooking continues to raise meat’s internal temperature after removal from heat.
  • Resting meat after cooking redistributes juices for moistness.
  • Grilling over open flames can introduce smoky and complex flavors to meat.

Easy 30 Minute Beef Tacos

These easy tacos are perfect for a quick and fun family dinner night. Turn this meal into a build-your-own-taco station with minimal ingredients!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Ground black pepper to taste
Assembly
  • Salsa of choice I used mild
  • 1 batch of creamy guacamole
  • Shredded cheese of choice
  • 18 mini flour taco shells
  • ¼ head of lettuce chopped

Method
 

For the beef
  1. Heat a non-stick pan on medium high and cookie the beef and onions until golden and when beef is fully cooked. Drain oil or soak it up using paper towel.
  2. At the ketchup and spices and let cook for an extra minute. Transfer to heat safe bowl and set aside.
For Assembly
  1. Add all toppings to a taco shell and enjoy!

Notes

If you try this recipe, let me know how you like it! Comment and tag me in your picture on Instagram  @foodiesutopia