Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavour)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 6 hard taco shells (or soft tortillas, your preference)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: Diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion and cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t burn it!
  4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and water (or beef broth). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Warm taco shells according to package directions (usually in the oven or microwave). Fill each taco shell with the ground beef mixture.
  7. Add your favourite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, jalapenos, and cilantro.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, easy tacos.