Description
This quick and flavorful Mexican ground beef recipe is your answer to busy weeknight dinners. With just one skillet and a blend of warm spices, it comes together in under 30 minutes and can be used in everything from tacos and nachos to rice bowls and burritos. Juicy, bold, and customizable, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat—perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or a simple family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil (if needed)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil if needed.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste and all spices. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add broth or water, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lime juice if desired.
- Serve warm in tacos, bowls, or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or meat substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add-ins like black beans, corn, or bell peppers bulk it up.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg