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Spicy Ground Beef Tacos

This recipe guides you through creating flavorful spicy ground beef tacos. It involves browning ground beef with aromatic spices, tomato paste, and fire-roasted tomatoes, then simmering the mixture until rich and thickened. The prepared beef is then served in warmed hard taco shells with fresh toppings, offering a quick and satisfying meal for 4 to 6 people.
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Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 2102 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Nonstick Skillet Essential for browning beef and simmering the sauce effectively.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and breaking up ground beef.
  • 1 Chef's knife For finely chopping the onion.
  • 1 Cutting Board A stable surface for chopping vegetables.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons For accurate spice measurements.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 white or yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 15- ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 12 hard taco shells
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce shredded cheddar cheese and/or pickled jalapenos, for topping

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano and garlic powder; cook, stirring, until the onion is coated, about 1 minute.
  • Add the beef, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, hot sauce and 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the juices are slightly thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, warm the taco shells as the label directs. Fill with the beef mixture and top with lettuce, cheese and/or pickled jalapenos.

Notes

Achieving a rich flavor begins with proper sautéing of the onion until tender, followed by toasting the spices with the tomato paste for a minute to bloom their aromatics. Ensure the ground beef is well-browned before adding liquids; this creates deeper flavor notes through the Maillard reaction. Don't rush the simmering process; allowing the sauce to gently thicken concentrates the flavors. Adjust the hot sauce to your preference, starting with a lesser amount and adding more if desired. For an enhanced experience, consider using fresh corn tortillas warmed on a griddle instead of hard shells, offering a softer texture. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the overall profile.