Sep 04 2026
Restaurants›Barracuda Taco Stand | Mexican›Beef Taco Recipe

Beef Taco Recipe

Inspired by Barracuda Taco Stand | Mexican
Time35m
Serves4

Make Beef Taco Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Beef Filling

Tacos & Assemblies

Method

Beef Filling

  1. 1

    Prep aromatics

    Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the spices into a small bowl so they are ready to add.

  2. 2

    Heat pan and cook onion

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When oil shimmers, add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften.

  3. 3

    Brown the beef

    Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up with a spatula and cook without stirring for 2 minutes to develop some browning, then continue to cook and stir until mostly browned, about 3–4 more minutes.

  4. 4

    Add garlic and spices

    Push the beef to the side, add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the meat. Stir well to combine and toast the spices 30–45 seconds.

  5. 5

    Add tomato paste and simmer

    Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth or water, scrape up browned bits from the pan, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer gently until liquid reduces and the mixture is saucy, about 5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Season and finish

    Taste and add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste). Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Simmer another 30 seconds, then remove from heat and keep warm while you prepare tortillas and toppings.

Tacos & Assemblies

  1. 7

    Warm tortillas

    Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Warm each tortilla 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred in spots. Alternatively, wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 20–30 seconds for a batch.

  2. 8

    Assemble tacos

    Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the beef filling into the center (adjust based on tortilla size). Top with a small handful of shredded cheese (it will melt slightly on the warm meat), shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of sour cream or crema if using, and a few cilantro leaves. Add sliced jalapeño and hot sauce or salsa to taste.

  3. 9

    Serve

    Serve tacos immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Provide extra hot sauce, cilantro, and lime on the side.

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