Weeknight Beef Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

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

Simple and flavorful beef tacos paired with a crunchy cilantro-lime slaw for a fresh twist on a classic favorite. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, taco seasoning 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 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-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 3 minutes until the beef is well coated and sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until slaw is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning the beef mixture into each tortilla, topping with the cilantro-lime slaw, and sprinkling with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Weeknight Beef Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw 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 Weeknight 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 Weeknight 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 Weeknight 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 Weeknight 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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