Classic Tacos Recipe

Prep

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out spices and broth so they are ready to add.

Cook aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Brown beef

Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and garlic. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned with no pink remaining, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.

Season and simmer

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in 1 cup broth, scrape up any browned bits from the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until most of the liquid has reduced and mixture is slightly saucy, about 6–8 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or chili powder as needed.

Keep the filling warm on the lowest heat while you warm the tortillas and arrange toppings.

Warm tortillas on stovetop

Heat a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with melted butter or a little oil. Warm tortillas one at a time, buttered side down, 20–30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred at the edges. Stack wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.

Alternative oven method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in foil and heat 8–10 minutes until warm. Keep wrapped until serving.

Prepare toppings

Rinse and shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, shred cheese if not pre-shredded, chop cilantro, and cut lime into wedges. Place sour cream and salsa in small bowls for serving.

Assemble tacos

To assemble, place a warm tortilla on a plate, add about 2–3 tablespoons (or to taste) of the beef filling down the center. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Squeeze lime over the top if desired.

Repeat with remaining tortillas and serve immediately so tortillas stay warm and toppings remain fresh.