Layered Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

Soft corn tortillas layered with seasoned beef and crisp, tangy cilantro lime slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 27 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, onion, finely chopped 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Break up the meat and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While beef cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Toss until slaw is evenly coated and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: To assemble, layer 2-3 tbsp cooked beef on each tortilla, then top with 2 tbsp cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Layered Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Layered Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Layered Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Layered Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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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