← BrowseAmerican

Old School Beef Tacos

AmericanMain CourseEasy
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Serves
4
✦

Ingredients

beef filling

  • 1 tbspoil
  • 2 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1onion, finely chopped
  • 500 g (1 lb)ground beef / mince
  • 2 tbsptomato paste
  • 0.25 cup (65ml)water

homemade taco seasoning

  • 1 tspgarlic powder
  • 1 tsponion powder
  • 1 tspdried oregano
  • 2 tspcumin powder
  • 2 tsppaprika
  • 0.25 tspcayenne pepper (adjust to taste, can skip)
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper

shells

  • 10 to 12 crispy taco shells (“stand and stuff”) OR soft tortillas of choice

toppings

  • shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack)
  • shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2tomatoes, chopped
  • 0.5red or white onion, chopped
  • sour cream
  • taco sauce (optional)
  • other: coriander/cilantro, jalapeño, hot sauce, pickled chillies, salsa, pico de gallo

Method

  1. 1Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
  2. 2BEEF FILLING: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook 2 minutes until golden.
  3. 3Add beef and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it up as you go, until it changes from red to light brown.
  4. 4Add all Taco Seasoning ingredients and cook for 2 minutes until beef is cooked through.
  5. 5Add tomato paste and water. Cook for 1 minute or until water is evaporated and filling is juicy but not watery.
  6. 6OPTIONAL BAKE: Place taco shells in a baking pan. Fill with taco meat and top with cheese. Bake 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and shells are crispy.
  7. 7SERVE: Lay out toppings and sauces on the table and let everyone assemble their own tacos.

Notes

1. Taco Shells: Always warm your shells — bake until crispy (wrap in foil and bake 5–10 min) or microwave 20 seconds. 2. Meat: I usually use lean beef. If using fatty beef, drain excess fat before adding Taco Seasoning. Can also use chicken, turkey, or pork. 3. Cheese: Monterey Jack is the author’s favourite, then cheddar. 4. Nutrition is for 3 tacos including crispy taco shell, meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion.