Description
This Ground Beef Taco recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Juicy, spiced ground beef cooked with Rotel tomatoes and green chilis is paired with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime for a vibrant and satisfying taco experience. Toasted corn tortillas add the perfect crunch or softness depending on your preference, making this classic Mexican-inspired dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
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 yellow corn tortillas (small) or Hard Taco Shells
Toppings
- 1/2 iceberg lettuce (shredded)
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 2 limes (cut into wedges)
- 1/4 bunch cilantro sprigs
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 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 approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilis, chili powder, and kosher salt. Continue cooking the mixture until the beef is fully cooked through, the sauce thickens slightly, and most of the tomato liquid evaporates, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Toast the Tortillas: Preheat a dry large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Toast each tortilla for 15 to 30 seconds per side until they are hot and begin to turn lightly golden. Remove and place on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, cilantro sprigs, sour cream, and an extra sprinkle of chili powder if desired.
- Add Final Touches: Serve the tacos with lime wedges, encouraging guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos just before eating for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to your meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Hard taco shells can be used in place of soft tortillas for a different texture.
- Keep the toasted tortillas warm by covering them with foil or a clean kitchen towel until serving.
- Serve with additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or guacamole for more variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
