Easy Beef Tacos
Simple Classic Ground Beef Tacos with Optional Fiery Citrus Marinade
These easy beef tacos are a staple for a reason: quick, affordable, and customizable for the whole family. The seasoned ground beef is ready in minutes, making this a perfect weeknight meal that tastes way better than a packet mix.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup beef broth or water
12 small flour or corn tortillas
Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese, sour cream
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: For a flavor explosion, marinate the ground beef before cooking in a couple of tablespoons of Blazing Citrus Hot for a Fiery and Bold citrus layer.
Heat Level: 8 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce is our extreme heat champion, built for serious spice fans and challenge seekers. Carolina Reaper peppers deliver searing intensity, while fresh grapefruit and lemon juice replace vinegar for a bright, tangy lift and full flavor. It is very spicy yet vibrant, turning wings, tacos, grilled meats, and bowls into a bold, citrus charged experience. Turn the heat all the way up and get maximum flavor in every drop.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and salt to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
3. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and the flavors to deepen.
4. While the beef simmers, warm the tortillas by wrapping them in foil and baking for 5 minutes at 350∘F or heating them individually on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
5. Spoon the seasoned ground beef into the warm tortillas. Top with your favorite fixings like lettuce, cheese, and tomato.
Tips & Variations
For a Fiery and Bold flavor, add 2 tablespoons of Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Hot sauce to the raw ground beef and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking (Step 1).
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter taco, though you may need an extra tablespoon of oil.
For a crunchy texture, use hard corn taco shells instead of soft tortillas.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing ground beef with 1 lb shredded chicken for a lighter texture and less fat.
Swapping cayenne pepper for 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder for a smokier heat profile.
Substituting beef broth with 1/4 cup tomato sauce for a thicker, richer base to the meat.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Store: The seasoned beef filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the meat filling in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Freeze: The cooked, seasoned beef freezes well. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 380 Protein: 28g Carbs: 25g Fat: 19g
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