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Quick One-Skillet Ground Beef Tacos

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A quick and easy one-skillet ground beef taco recipe perfect for busy weeknights, delivering flavorful, juicy tacos with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150 grams)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices or guacamole
  • Taco shells or soft tortillas (about 8 for 4 servings)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully browned with no pink remaining.
  5. Drain excess fat if desired to avoid oily tacos.
  6. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef and stir to coat thoroughly.
  7. Stir in tomato paste, then pour in water and mix well.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Warm taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions (usually 1-2 minutes in oven or microwave).
  11. Assemble tacos by spooning beef mixture into shells or tortillas and topping with desired optional toppings.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Use medium-high heat for best results. Break up the meat early to avoid clumps. Fresh garlic is preferred over garlic powder. Simmer with water and tomato paste to keep beef moist and flavorful. Warm taco shells while beef simmers to save time. Season to taste and add smoky paprika for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, quick tacos, one skillet recipe, easy weeknight dinner, taco seasoning, beef tacos, Mexican tacos

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/quick-one-skillet-ground-beef-tacos-easy-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/