tex mex tacos recipe

🌮 Flavor-Packed Tex-Mex Tacos Recipe – Easy Weeknight Favorite

Make the best Tex-Mex tacos with seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and melty cheese. Perfect for Taco Tuesday, quick dinners, or party nights!

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📌 Why You’ll Love This Tex-Mex Taco Recipe

This Tex-Mex taco recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or festive dinners. Made with ground beef, bold spices, and customizable toppings, it delivers that crave-worthy flavor in just 30 minutes.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Taco Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Assembly:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 tomato, diced
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup sour cream or crema
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, red pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Add tomato sauce or salsa and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

2. Warm the Tortillas

• Heat tortillas on a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.

3. Assemble the Tacos

• Spoon the beef mixture into tortillas.
• Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, sour cream, and cilantro.
• Squeeze fresh lime over each taco before serving.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave until hot.

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Make it healthier: Swap beef for ground turkey or black beans.
• Add crunch: Serve with tortilla chips or top with crushed nachos.
• Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Cheese option: Try Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or shredded mozzarella.

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🧠 FAQs

What’s the difference between Tex-Mex tacos and traditional Mexican tacos?
Tex-Mex tacos often use ground beef, shredded cheese, and flour tortillas—hearty and American-influenced. Mexican tacos usually feature soft corn tortillas, minimal cheese, and more regional flavors.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, but homemade gives better control over salt and spice.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace meat with seasoned lentils, tofu, or black beans.