Ground Beef Tacos

• 1 lb (454g) ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) water
• 1.5 tbsp (11g) chili powder
• 1.5 tsp (4g) cumin
• 1/2 tsp (1g) paprika
• 1/2 tsp (1g) onion powder
• 1/2 tsp (2g) garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp (0.5g) red pepper flakes (or less for less spice)
• 1/2 tsp (0.5g) dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp (1g) black pepper
• 1/2 tsp (2g) sugar
• 1 tsp (6g) kosher salt, plus more to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the ground beef and onions over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain the fat. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

2. 2

   Season with the taco seasoning and tomato paste. Cook for about 2 minutes to toast the spices and cook off the raw taste of the tomato paste.

3. 3

   Add the water (160 ml), bring to a simmer, and simmer uncovered for about 2–3 minutes until the sauce is thickened. Taste to adjust the seasoning.

4. 4

   In the meantime, warm your taco shells. For hard shells, bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 6 minutes. For soft shells, warm them stacked on top of each other and wrapped in foil in the same oven for about 8 minutes.

5. 5

   Serve in 8–12 taco shells of choice (hard or soft) with your garnishes of choice (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado or guacamole, salsa, etc.).