Darn Tacos Recipe
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Ingredients
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Taco Filling
Tortillas & Assembly
Toppings
Method
Taco Filling
Prepare aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the beef
Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until mostly browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if there is more than a tablespoon; leave a little for flavor.
Season and simmer
Return the skillet to medium heat. Add chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to coat the beef evenly. Pour in the tomato sauce and broth, stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the lime juice, taste and adjust seasoning.
Keep warm
Keep the filling warm over the lowest heat while you prepare tortillas and toppings, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tortillas & Assembly
Warm tortillas
Warm a dry cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Lightly brush each tortilla with a little butter or oil (about 1 tsp spread across all tortillas) or keep them dry if preferred. Warm each tortilla 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred in spots. Stack and keep wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.
Assemble tacos
Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the warm beef filling into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot filling so it melts slightly. Add desired toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado or a spoonful of guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, and salsa. Finish with chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños if using, and a squeeze of lime juice from the wedges.
Toppings
Arrange toppings in small bowls so diners can customize. For best texture, add fresh toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro) immediately before serving so tortillas stay crisp and fillings retain warmth.
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and hot sauce or salsa on the side.