Brown's Classic Beef Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Juicy beef tacos topped with a refreshing cabbage slaw, featuring a zesty lime-cilantro sauce for perfect balance. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, cumin, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1, sliced avocado
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced red onion
- for serving lime wedges
- 8 taco shells
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking into crumbles, for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1/2 cup diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and remove from heat. Set aside.
- Step 3: For slaw: In a bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Toss with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Warm taco shells according to package instructions. Fill each with 1/2 cup seasoned beef, top with 1/4 cup cabbage slaw, and add 2 slices of avocado.
- Step 5: Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brown's Classic Beef Tacos with Cabbage Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Brown's Classic Beef Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brown's Classic Beef Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brown's Classic Beef Tacos with Cabbage Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brown's Classic Beef Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?
Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
