INGREDIENTS:
For the beef mince filling:
500g beef mince
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp chilli powder (optional)
2 tbsp tomato purée
100ml water or beef stock
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to tasteTo serve:
8–12 taco shells or soft tortillas
Shredded lettuce
Chopped tomatoes or tomato salsa
Grated cheese (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Fresh coriander or lime wedges (optional)
Reasons Why People Love Our Beef Mince Tacos Recipe
✅ Street-Style Favourite: Savoury beef mince cooked with warming spices, onion, and garlic to create a rich, well-seasoned filling that’s perfect for loading into soft or crispy tacos. Big flavour, minimal effort, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results.
✅ Easy to Customise: Keep it classic or build it your way. Add smoky paprika, extra chilli, a squeeze of lime, or finish with fresh coriander, grated cheese, or a spoon of sour cream. This taco filling adapts easily to whatever toppings you love.
✅ Quick, Weeknight-Friendly Cooking: With fast prep and a short cook time, these beef mince tacos come together in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy evenings, relaxed family meals, or sharing with friends when you want something bold, fresh, and satisfying without the fuss.
Cooking Instructions
1. Soften the onion
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
2. Add garlic and spices
Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and chilli powder. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the mince
Add the beef mince and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and any excess liquid has cooked off.
4. Add tomato purée and liquid
Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 minute, then add the water or stock. Mix well.
5. Simmer briefly
Reduce the heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and well coated in the sauce.
6. Season to taste
Season with salt and black pepper. Adjust spice or chilli if needed.
7. Warm the tacos
Heat taco shells or tortillas according to the packet instructions.
8. Assemble and serve
Spoon the beef mince into the shells and top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, sour cream, or any toppings you like.
Tips & Variations
Brown the mince properly
Let the beef mince sit in the pan before stirring so it colours well. This builds deeper flavour and stops the filling from tasting soft or stewed. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the mince browns rather than releases too much liquid.
Variation: Use beef mince with a slightly higher fat content for a juicier taco filling.
Balance spice with freshness
Taco filling should be well seasoned but not heavy. A squeeze of lime juice or a handful of chopped coriander at the end lifts the flavour and keeps it fresh.
Variation: Stir through a spoon of chipotle paste or smoked chilli sauce for extra heat and smokiness.
Finish thick, not watery
Let the mince simmer until the sauce coats the meat rather than pooling at the bottom of the pan. This stops soggy tacos and gives a better bite.
Variation: For a richer texture, stir through a small spoon of sour cream or grated cheese just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 38g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugars: 6g
Fibre: 7g
Salt: 1.6g
Based on a typical serving of 2-3 tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the beef mince taco filling ahead of time?
Yes. The beef filling can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan with a small splash of water to loosen it before serving.
2. How do I stop tacos from going soggy?
Make sure the beef filling is thick and not watery, and avoid overloading the tacos. Adding cold toppings like lettuce and salsa after the hot mince also helps keep the shells crisp.
3. What’s the best mince to use for tacos?
Beef mince with around 15–20% fat works best. It stays juicy and carries the spices well. Very lean mince can turn dry unless extra liquid or oil is added.
4. Can I make these tacos less spicy for kids?
Yes. Leave out the chilli powder and keep the spices mild. You can always add heat at the table with chilli sauce or sliced jalapeños for anyone who wants it.
5. How many tacos should I allow per person?
Plan for 2–3 tacos per person depending on size and toppings. If serving with sides like rice, beans, or corn salad, 2 tacos per person is usually enough.
