Description
This Ground Beef Taco recipe features tender, seasoned ground beef simmered with tomatoes and green chilies, served on toasted corn tortillas with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges. Quick and flavorful, it makes 20 delicious small tacos perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef chuck (10% to 20% fat)
- 20 oz Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilis (Two 10 oz cans with their juice)
- 1 tsp chili powder (plus more for serving)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 20 small yellow corn tortillas or hard taco shells
- 1/2 iceberg lettuce (shredded)
- 2/3 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 2 limes (cut into wedges)
- 1/4 bunch cilantro sprigs (to serve)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs of ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Use a spoon to skim off and discard most of the excess fat, leaving about 2 to 3 tablespoons in the skillet to retain flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the two cans of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through, and the sauce has slightly reduced with most tomato liquid evaporated, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Toast the Tortillas: Before serving, heat a large dry non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Toast both sides of the tortillas for 15 to 30 seconds per side, just until hot and lightly golden. Remove the tortillas to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm.
- Assemble and Serve: To assemble each taco, place a heaping spoonful of the seasoned beef on a tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, fresh cilantro sprigs, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before eating.
Notes
- Use ground beef chuck with 10%-20% fat for best flavor and juiciness.
- To make this gluten free, use corn tortillas instead of hard taco shells that may contain wheat.
- Skim excess fat but leave a little for flavor and moisture.
- To make the tacos spicier, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- For easier serving at parties, keep cooked beef warm in a slow cooker on low.
