Description
Authentic, fast, and simple Mexican street tacos made with ground beef or chicken, fresh corn tortillas, and vibrant toppings. Ready in just 20 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio) or shredded chicken
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 12 small corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped (stems and leaves)
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Optional: Pickled red onions, avocado or guacamole, salsa verde
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop onion, mince garlic, measure spices, chop cilantro, and cut limes.
- Warm tortillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Warm corn tortillas for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred. Stack in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
- Cook meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (break it up) or shredded chicken. Cook beef for 3-4 minutes until browned, or heat chicken for 2 minutes.
- Add spices: Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, minced garlic, and half of the diced white onion. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Finish: Remove pan from heat. Squeeze lime juice over the meat and stir in half of the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt.
- Assemble: Place two warm tortillas on a plate. Pile meat in the center. Top with remaining raw onion, fresh cilantro, and optional toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
Use two tortillas per taco to prevent tearing. Do not drain all the fat from the ground beef to keep it moist. Use fresh lime juice, not bottled. Warm tortillas thoroughly to prevent cracking. The meat can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos per person
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Mexican street tacos, weeknight dinner, easy tacos, ground beef tacos, corn tortillas, authentic tacos, 20 minute meals, gluten-free dinner