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Easy Weeknight Beef Tacos with Lime Crema

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Quick and easy ground beef tacos with a bright, tangy lime crema. Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights and are sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the lime crema first. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Prep your toppings. Chop the cilantro, dice the tomatoes, crumble the cheese. Place in small bowls for easy assembly.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat for about 30 seconds until shimmering.
  4. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a deep brown sear.
  7. Break the beef into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains.
  8. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste if using. Stir, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the beef is coated in a rich sauce.
  10. While the beef simmers, warm the tortillas. Heat directly over a gas flame for about 15 seconds per side, or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side. Stack and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
  11. Assemble the tacos: spoon the seasoned beef into warm tortillas. Drizzle with lime crema. Top with cilantro, tomatoes, cheese, and any other desired toppings. Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, let the beef sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Toast the spices for 1 minute before adding liquid. Let the lime crema rest for at least 5-10 minutes. If the beef looks dry, add a splash of broth or water. Store leftovers separately; beef keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tacos, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef tacos, lime crema, quick tacos, family dinner

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-weeknight-beef-tacos-with-lime-crema/