Description
Authentic, fast, and flavorful street-style tacos featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and a homemade cilantro lime crema, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (divided)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (pure ground chili)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 12–16 small corn tortillas (4–5 inches)
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)
- 2–3 limes, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons water
- Optional: Avocado, jalapeños, queso fresco, or cotija
Instructions
- In a blender, combine sour cream, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding water to reach a drizzle-able consistency. Set aside in the fridge.
- Finely dice the white onion and chop the remaining cilantro. Set aside in small bowls.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, for 5-7 minutes until mostly browned. Drain excess grease if desired.
- Add half of the diced yellow onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper to the meat. Stir to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are soft and spices are fragrant.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30-45 seconds per side until slightly charred, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30-60 seconds. Keep warm in a clean kitchen towel.
- Assemble tacos by placing seasoned meat on warm tortillas. Top with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, a drizzle of cilantro lime crema, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning meat to ensure proper browning rather than steaming. Warm tortillas are essential to prevent cracking. The crema can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos with crema
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Mexican street tacos, ground beef tacos, cilantro lime crema, quick weeknight dinner, easy tacos, authentic tacos, 20 minute meals