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Ground Beef Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo

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These ground beef tacos are quick, easy, and packed with bold flavor thanks to a perfectly seasoned beef filling and vibrant homemade pico de gallo. Perfect for weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesdays, or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers classic comfort with a fresh twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced (or cherry tomatoes)
  • 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, tomatoes, and jalapeño. Chop the cilantro and mince the garlic. Set half the onion aside for the pico de gallo and the rest for the beef.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and salt for the pico de gallo. Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and reserved diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thick and saucy but not runny. Add a splash of water if needed.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave (wrapped in a damp towel), or over a gas flame.
  8. Spoon the ground beef mixture into each tortilla. Top with fresh pico de gallo and desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free tacos, use corn tortillas. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Make the pico de gallo just before serving for best crunch. Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking. The beef filling can be made ahead and reheated. Store leftover beef in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Pico de gallo is best fresh but keeps for 1-2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef tacos, taco recipe, easy tacos, fresh pico de gallo, Mexican dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, family dinner, taco Tuesday

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/ground-beef-tacos-recipe-easy-fresh-pico-de-gallo-for-best-flavor/