Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›BABALU - East Memphis›Two Tacos Recipe

Two Tacos Recipe

Inspired by BABALU - East Memphis
Time25m
Serves2

ground beef, cheese - optional - lettuce, tomato, sour cream

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Ingredients

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Taco Filling

Taco Assembly & Toppings

Method

Taco Filling

  1. 1

    Prepare ingredients

    Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure spices so they are ready. If using a lime, juice half for about 1/2 tablespoon.

  2. 2

    Cook aromatics

    Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil. When hot, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Brown the beef

    Push onions to the side, increase heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it into small pieces with a spatula and cook until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if there is more than a tablespoon.

  4. 4

    Season the meat

    Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir to combine and toast the spices 30–45 seconds.

  5. 5

    Simmer with tomato paste

    Stir in 1 tsp tomato paste and 1/4 cup water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. If using, stir in 1/2 tbsp lime juice off heat.

  6. 6

    Keep warm

    Turn the heat to low and keep the filling warm while you prepare tortillas and toppings.

Taco Assembly & Toppings

  1. 7

    Warm tortillas

    Warm tortillas for pliability: heat a dry skillet over medium-high and warm each tortilla 20–30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred in spots, or wrap in foil and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Keep tortillas covered with a clean towel to stay warm.

  2. 8

    Assemble tacos

    Divide the warm beef filling evenly between the two tortillas (about 1/2 lb beef per tortilla total filling yields hearty tacos; for lighter tacos use less). Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot meat so it melts slightly. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomato.

  3. 9

    Add finishing touches

    Add a dollop (about 1 tbsp) of sour cream to each taco, drizzle a little hot sauce or salsa if you like, and sprinkle chopped cilantro if using. Serve each taco with a lime wedge to squeeze over before eating.

  4. 10

    Serve

    Place tacos on a plate and serve immediately while warm. Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

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