Quick Beef Tacos with Pantry Spices
These quick beef tacos are a weeknight lifesaver: simple pantry spices, one skillet, and dinner on the table fast. Customize with whatever toppings your family actually eats.
These are the tacos you make when everyone’s hungry and you need a win before the evening gets away from you. The seasoning comes from basic pantry spices, so there’s no packet required. Set out a few toppings and let everyone build their own—less stress, fewer complaints, more dinner actually eaten.
Total Time
25 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- •1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- •1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •2 tbsp tomato paste
- •1/2 cup water
- •1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
Pantry Taco Spice Blend
- •2 tsp chili powder
- •1 tsp ground cumin
- •1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- •1/2 tsp dried oregano
- •1/2 tsp kosher salt (use 1/4 tsp if using fine table salt)
- •1/4 tsp black pepper
- •1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
- •Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
To Serve
- •8–12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- •1 cup shredded lettuce
- •1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- •1 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- •Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- •Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Mix the spices: In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Set aside.
- 2
Cook the onion and beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed, then add the onion and cook 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. If there’s a lot of grease, carefully drain off most of it.
- 3
Add garlic and season: Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the spice mix and cook 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
- 4
Simmer the filling: Stir in tomato paste and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens and coats the beef. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed.
- 5
Warm tortillas: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side, or stack and microwave under a damp paper towel for 30–45 seconds.
- 6
Build and serve: Spoon beef into tortillas and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Serve with lime wedges if you have them.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.