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Classic beef tacos, an easy family taco night

Classic Beef Tacos

Seasoned ground beef in warm, toasted hard shells with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The easy weeknight taco night everyone agrees on.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos (6–8)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ cup water
  • 12 hard taco shells
For Topping
  • Shredded cheese
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, tomato paste, garlic salt, and cumin.
  4. Pour in the water and stir. Continue cooking until heated through and the seasonings and tomato paste coat the beef.
  5. Meanwhile, arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet and bake about 5 minutes, until warm and lightly toasted.
  6. Spoon the beef into each shell and top with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Set out the rest of the toppings and let everyone build their own.

Notes

Other toppings we love: sour cream, salsa or pico, avocado or guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce.