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Beef Tacos

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

55 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 (Makes 8 tacos)

Ingredients

Ingredient check listBeef Filling
Ingredient check listShells and Toppings

Why This Recipe Works

We set out to develop a taco recipe with a boldly spiced beef mixture and fresh toppings. We fried corn tortillas to make superior homemade taco shells. For the filling, we sautéed onions and garlic and then sautéed the spices to bring out their flavor. Using very lean ground beef prevented greasiness, and adding tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and vinegar created roundness and depth.

Before You Begin

Tomato sauce is sold in cans in the same aisle that carries canned whole tomatoes. Do not use jarred pasta sauce in its place. We prefer to let diners top their own tacos with whatever fillings they prefer. There’s no need to prepare all the toppings listed below, but cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes are, in our opinion, essential. We like to use our Home-Fried Taco Shells for this recipe.

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes; add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, spices, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook, breaking meat up with wooden spoon and scraping pan bottom to prevent scorching, until beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and vinegar; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently and breaking meat up so that no chunks remain, until liquid has reduced and thickened (mixture should not be completely dry), about 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
  2. Using wide, shallow spoon, divide filling evenly among taco shells; place two tacos on individual plates. Serve immediately, passing toppings separately.

More Like This

Video

Beef Tacos

Recipe

Home-Fried Taco Shells

Average rating 4, 56 ratings.

Ingredient

Supermarket Sharp Cheddar Cheese

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199 Comments

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