Smoky Ground Beef Taco Filling

Name: Smoky Ground Beef Taco Filling
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Latin American, TexMex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped (plus 1 tsp adobo sauce); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste); Fresh cracked black pepper; Juice of 1/2 lime; 2 tbsp water or broth; Optional chopped cilantro, pickled onions, queso fresco for topping

Instructions

This is the easiest way to make taco night feel extra delicious. We’re skipping the seasoning packet but keeping all the flavor: smoky chipotle, garlic, tomato paste, and warm ground cumin give this beef a rich, bold profile — finished with a little lime for brightness.

Updated at: Tue, 17 Jun 2025 01:11:24 GMT