Beef Tacos with Sour Cream (Printable View)
Seasoned beef nestled in warm tortillas topped with fresh veggies and creamy sour cream for a tasty meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings
04 - 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - ½ tsp dried oregano
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 - ¼ cup water
→ Tacos
12 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas
13 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
14 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
15 - ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
16 - ½ cup sour cream
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
18 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
02 - Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and water, then simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - While the beef simmers, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
06 - Spoon beef mixture onto warmed tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Ready in 30 minutes flat, no stress, no cleanup drama.
- The beef gets its flavor from actual spices, not a packet, so you taste what you're eating.
- Everyone at the table builds their own, which somehow makes people happier than if you plate it for them.
02 -
- Don't drain the beef completely after browning—a little fat keeps everything tender and flavorful, and you'll need it to help the spices bloom when you add them.
- Taste the beef mixture before serving; if your spices sat in your cabinet for six months, they might be gentler than you expect, and you could need to add another pinch of cumin or chili powder.
03 -
- Brown your beef properly before adding the seasonings—if it's still in big chunks or pale, the spices won't distribute evenly and you'll get pockets of flavor instead of consistent taste.
- Warm your tortillas last; a cold tortilla ruins everything, and a properly warmed one is flexible enough to hold a full taco without cracking.