Classic Ground Beef Tacos Skillet
A quick and easy recipe for classic American-style ground beef tacos cooked in a skillet with simple spices, topped with fresh lettuce, cheese, and tomato for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Beef Filling
- Assembly
Let’s make it
Beef Filling
Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Beef Filling
Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
Beef Filling
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
Beef Filling
Drain any excess fat from the skillet carefully, then return to heat. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir well to combine spices.
Beef Filling
Pour in 1/4 cup water, stir, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until water is mostly absorbed and flavors meld. Remove from heat.
Assembly
Warm corn tortillas in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until softened and pliable.
Assembly
To assemble tacos, spoon a generous amount of beef filling onto each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Assembly
Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips & notes
For best flavor, use fresh spices and adjust seasoning to taste. Warm tortillas properly to avoid cracking. You can add avocado slices or your favorite salsa for extra taste.
Saving it for later
Store leftover cooked beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil or plastic to maintain freshness.
Reheating
Reheat beef filling in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Warm tortillas separately in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.
