Cumin-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy ground beef seasoned with warm cumin, topped with sweet-tart pineapple salsa and fresh lettuce for a vibrant taco experience. This 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 400 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 12 oz ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix well.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 taco shells according to package directions. Fill each with a portion of the beef mixture, top with pineapple salsa, and add 2 cups shredded lettuce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pineapple Salsa 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 Cumin-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Cumin-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Cumin-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pineapple Salsa 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 Cumin-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

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.

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