General Tacos with Spiced Ground Beef and Pico de Gallo

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

Classic tacos featuring seasoned ground beef paired with fresh tomato and onion pico de gallo for a balanced flavor. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 small finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 lb ground beef, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine 2 diced medium tomatoes, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and juice of 1 lime. Stir well to make fresh pico de gallo.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning the spiced ground beef into each tortilla and topping with 2 tbsp of pico de gallo. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does General Tacos with Spiced Ground Beef and Pico de Gallo take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 General Tacos with Spiced Ground Beef and Pico de Gallo?

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 General Tacos with Spiced Ground Beef and Pico de Gallo?

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 General Tacos with Spiced Ground Beef and Pico de Gallo 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 General Tacos with Spiced Ground Beef and Pico de Gallo?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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