Mole Coloradito Beef Tacos with Pickled Onions

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

Beef simmered in vibrant red mole coloradito sauce, wrapped in warm corn tortillas with tangy pickled onions. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, mole coloradito sauce, corn tortillas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 413 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 413 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled, breaking apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion and let sit for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir 1.5 cups mole coloradito sauce into cooked ground beef along with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Mix until combined.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
  5. Step 5: Place a spoonful of beef-mole mixture on each tortilla, top with pickled onions, and sprinkle with lime zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mole Coloradito Beef Tacos with Pickled Onions take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Mole Coloradito Beef Tacos with Pickled Onions?

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 Mole Coloradito Beef Tacos with Pickled Onions?

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 Mole Coloradito Beef Tacos with Pickled Onions 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 Mole Coloradito Beef Tacos with Pickled Onions?

Mexican beef 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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