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Beef Tacos

Seasoned ground beef served in crispy or soft taco shells with classic toppings. A quick, family-friendly lunch or dinner.

25 minEasyServes 4360 cal/serving

Mexican-AmericanLunchStovetopStandardLow CarbLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 8 taco shells
  • 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1/2 cup tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Add 1/2 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

  3. 3

    When the beef is partially browned, add 1/4 diced onion and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened.

  4. 4

    Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle 1 tbsp taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to coat evenly.

  6. 6

    Pour in 1/4 cup water and stir well, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

  7. 7

    Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened slightly.

  8. 8

    Check that the ground beef has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.

  9. 9

    While the meat is finishing, prepare 8 taco shells according to package directions (warm soft tortillas or heat crispy shells in the oven).

  10. 10

    To assemble each taco, place a shell on a plate and add a spoonful of the beef mixture.

  11. 11

    Top with 1/2 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup diced tomato, and 1/4 cup shredded cheese.

  12. 12

    Serve immediately while still warm.

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Questions

What should Beef Tacos look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 7: cook until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened slightly. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Beef Tacos?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Beef Tacos uses 1/2 lb ground beef.

Can I make Beef Tacos dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Beef Tacos is 1/4 cup cheese, shredded. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How many calories are in Beef Tacos?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 360 calories, with 22 g protein, 20 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 194 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Beef Tacos keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Beef Tacos within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serve it with

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