There are many ways to fill a taco. If you like a spicy taco, you can go with some chicken tinga or maybe spicy tofu. If you like a hint of sweetness, you could go with some al pastor tacos. If seafood is your thing, you could have some barbecue shrimp or maybe crispy fish tacos.
Now, if you want a real classic, then I would highly recommend this spicy ground beef. It’s a classic for a reason. Ground beef can be found at any grocery store, it is easy to cook and pretty much everyone loves a beef taco, right? And this recipe results in a warmly spiced beef with a great balance of flavors and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for taco Tuesday.
Let’s get started…
Begin by gathering 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of beef stock, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños, 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
If you need more than 1 pound of beef, this recipe doubles or triples really easily!
Add the ground beef into a large skillet and season it with 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix to incorporate the spices and place the skillet over medium heat.
Cook the beef over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to both mix up the beef and break it into smaller pieces. Once the beef is cooked through and beginning to brown a bit, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños.
Stir to incorporate the tomato paste and jalapeños and then add 1/2 cup of beef stock and the finely chopped cilantro and give it another good stir.
Once all of the ingredients have been incorporated, let the beef simmer until the stock has reduced. This should only take 2-3 minutes.
Once it is thick and smelling incredible, transfer it into a shallow bowl and prepare your remaining taco ingredients.
My topping of choice are a little thinly sliced lettuce, some chopped tomatoes, lime wedges, salsa, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar and some extra pickled jalapeños.
As soon as everything is ready to go, build your tacos and may the fiesta begin!
If tacos aren’t your thing, this spicy beef is fabulous over a salad with some creamy jalapeño ranch dressing or in a cheesy quesadilla, over nachos, in enchiladas… the list is endless and this beef is delicious any way you decide to enjoy it!
Happy fiesta everyone!
Spicy Taco Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of beef stock
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1/3 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Add the beef into a large skillet and season with 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Mix to combine
- Place the skillet over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and beginning to brown a bit
- Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños and mix to combine
- Add 1/2 cup of beef stock and some finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional) and mix to combine
- Let the beef simmer until the stock has reduced
- Serve and enjoy!
