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A platter of tacos with vibrant fillings, including fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and colorful sauces.

Taco King – The Reigning Monarch of Fast Food

The Taco King recipe is a crown jewel for taco lovers! Featuring seasoned ground beef, perfectly balanced with warm spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this dish brings bold Mexican flavors to your table. Fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy sour cream elevate the tacos to perfection. Whether you choose soft or hard taco shells, the combination of textures and flavors creates a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight the entire family. Customize your tacos with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a truly royal feast! 

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Cook the Beef  : Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add Aromatics  : Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Season the Beef  : Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Simmer with Sauce  : Add the tomato sauce and water to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and is saucy.

Prepare Toppings  : While the beef is simmering, prepare the taco toppings: shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and grate the cheese.

Assemble the Tacos  : Warm the taco shells according to package instructions. Fill each shell with a spoonful of the beef mixture, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro (if using).

Serve  : Garnish with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful “Taco King” experience!

Instructions

Cook the Beef  : Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add Aromatics  : Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Season the Beef  : Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Simmer with Sauce  : Add the tomato sauce and water to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and is saucy.

Prepare Toppings  : While the beef is simmering, prepare the taco toppings: shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and grate the cheese.

Assemble the Tacos🌮 : Warm the taco shells according to package instructions. Fill each shell with a spoonful of the beef mixture, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro (if using).

Serve  : Garnish with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful “Taco King” experience!

Notes

  • Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
  • Taco Shell Options: Choose between soft flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or crispy taco shells based on your preference. You can even try lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
  • Add More Toppings: Enhance your tacos with extras like sliced jalapeños, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce for added flavor.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
  • Meal Prep: The beef filling can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.