Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Texas with these mouthwatering Authentic Tex-Mex Beef Tacos that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a fiesta of flavors that perfectly captures the bold, zesty essence of Tex-Mex cuisine. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight meal or planning a weekend gathering, these tacos promise to be the star of your dining table, delivering a perfect balance of seasoned beef, crispy shells, and fresh, vibrant toppings.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 8 taco shells, 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
- In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep your tacos from being greasy.
- Add the packet of taco seasoning to the cooked beef, along with 2/3 cup of water. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- While the beef is simmering, prepare the taco shells according to the package instructions. This usually involves heating them in the oven for a few minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.
- Once the taco shells are ready, remove the beef mixture from the heat. It is now time to assemble your tacos.
- Take a taco shell and fill it with a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture.
- Top the beef with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Feel free to add as much or as little of each topping as you like.
- Finish off each taco with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
- Repeat the assembly process for the remaining taco shells until all the beef and toppings are used.
- Serve the tacos immediately while they are warm, and enjoy your authentic Tex-Mex beef tacos!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a good fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Drain excess fat after cooking beef to prevent greasy tacos, but keep some moisture for better seasoning absorption.
- Toast your taco shells in the oven for a few extra minutes to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Customize your toppings - add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or diced onions for extra kick.
- For a healthier version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Warm your plates beforehand to keep tacos hot during serving.
- Prepare all toppings in advance for quick and easy assembly.
- Use fresh cilantro and ripe tomatoes to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Don't overload your taco shells - balance is key to preventing messy eating.
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the perfect temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
