---
title: Classic Beef Tacos
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/classic-beef-tacos-5df00d27a9e8c74b095cc2f6
servings: 2
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 15 minutes
time required: 25 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Milk
  - Wheat
  - Soy
tags:
  - Spicy
  - Easy Cleanup
  - One Pot
  - Tacos
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 4200
source_chef: Michelle Doll Olson
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: The crema sauce could use more seasoning; consider adding extra chipotle powder or lime juice for bolder flavor.
  - theme: Suggestions
    text: The cheese portion feels light — add extra Monterey Jack or supplement with your own for better coverage.
image: "data/recipes/classic-beef-tacos.jpg"
---
Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel, and thinly slice @red onion{1%unit}; mince a few slices until you have 2 TBSP. Dice @tomato{1%unit}. Roughly chop @cilantro{1%unit} leaves and stems. Quarter @lime{1%unit}.

In a #small bowl{}, combine tomato, minced onion, half the cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste. Season with @salt{to taste} and @black pepper{to taste}. In a separate #small bowl{}, combine @sour cream{2%tbsp}, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of @chipotle powder{½%tsp} to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Add @water{¼%cup} 1 tsp at a time until mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.

Heat a drizzle of @olive oil{1%tbsp} in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add sliced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened ~{3%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper.

Add @ground beef{½%lb} to #large pan{} with onion; cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until browned and cooked through ~{4%minutes}. [- - TIP: If there is excess grease in your pan, carefully pour it out. -] Add @tomato paste{2%tbsp}, @Southwest Spice Blend{1%unit}, and water. Cook, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan, until mixture is thickened and saucy ~{1%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper. If you like things spicy, stir in a pinch of remaining chipotle powder.

While beef cooks, wrap @flour tortillas{4%unit} in damp paper towels and microwave until warm and pliable ~{30%seconds}.

Divide beef filling between tortillas. Sprinkle with @Monterey Jack cheese{½%cup} and top with salsa, crema, and remaining cilantro. Serve with remaining lime wedges on the side.