Quick, easy and so much better than fast food these beef tacos are the perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner. I am always craving Mexican food and sometimes when I am running short on time I have been known to pick up some fast food Mexican or even buy taco mix at the store. I hate using those prepackaged taco seasoning packets because they are always loaded with tons of sodium and preservatives. So after another craving for a crispy beef taco I set out to find a delicious homemade recipe. The folks at America’s Test Kitchen always get it right; I have never tried one of their recipes that I don’t absolutely love. These are no exception-I will be adding this easy meal to our busy week night schedule. These boldly spiced beef tacos combined with fresh toppings are sure to be a hit at your house. Once you see how easy it is to make your own taco seasoning at home you will never buy a taco seasoning packet again. When ready to serve, place the toppings in small bowls and let everyone top their tacos with whatever fillings they prefer. Serve these with Mexican rice and guacamole and you’ll wish every night was taco night! 
Beef Tacos
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- hot pepper sauce to taste
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until simmering.
- Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned around the edges, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, spices, and 1 teaspoon salt; Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to break up the meat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Spoon the meat mixture into warm taco shells and top with cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, lettuce, onion, sour cream and hot pepper sauce.
Source: Food.com originally from America’s Test Kitchen
Gosh, your pictures are always so stunning!!! Did you take a photography class?
Thank you very much! I have not taken any photography classes…I have learned from trial and error. I would love to take some classes sometime soon though!
I hardly ever order tacos at a restaurant, but I love eating them at home! Especially with my new discovery of the addition of cilantro leaves – I’ll have to try your avocado idea, too. And the spices! O.K., now I want tacos for breakfast and I’m not even kidding.
Haha, how funny that you posted a taco recipe today! I’ve bookmarked your recipe and plan to try it the next time we have taco night
These pictures are truly amazing!
I love me some Mexican food! Especially when it has avocado.
Love all the spices you used here. Super flavorful!
Christina, sometimes I think that you could take the messiest, grossest food and make it look delightful. Since when does Mexican food look so pretty? Haha! Seriously, love this!
I’ve been craving tacos for awhile now, but I didn’t have any taco seasoning to make it with. Oddly enough, I have every ingredient needed to make these! I know what I’m having for dinner tonight.
Tacos are one of my favorite foods! Bookmarking
These look fantastic. I’m alwaysss craving Mexican food as well!
I love easy dinners during the week and tacos are one of my favorite
Yours look fantastic!
mmmmmm i love tacos!!!
I think I see a taco night in my near future!
Great! Gonna bookmark this for one of the weekday dinners soon!
I made these for dinner last night- Soooo much better than using the seasoning packet, and still fast!
I am so glad that you enjoyed them! I can’t agree with you more, they are soooo much better then using the taco seasoning!
Made a double batch of the meat tonight. Planning to freeze part of it – it was awesome! Yum!!
I am always craving Mexican too! Very yummy looking tacos
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