Weeknight Beef Tacos

Name: Weeknight Beef Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup water; Salt to taste; 8 small taco shells or tortillas; Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese, and sour cream for serving

4 servings10 min prep15 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Weeknight Beef Tacos

Story updated September 18, 2026

Tacos trace to Mexico, with the word documented from the 18th-19th century; one popular account ties the term to silver miners who used small paper-wrapped charges called "tacos." Ground-beef tacos with crunchy shells became an Americanized staple after Glen Bell popularized them via Taco Bell in the 1960s.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup water
Salt to taste
8 small taco shells or tortillas
Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese, and sour cream for serving

Instructions

1Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles, until no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
2Drain excess fat, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
3Add the water, stir to combine, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the liquid reduces and coats the beef.
4Taste and season with salt as needed.
5Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package directions.
6Fill each shell with the seasoned beef and top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream.

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