Beef Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

No one can resist a beautifully spiced taco, especially when it's packed to the brim with succulent beef and topped off with a rich chipotle sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weekend gathering or a casual weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• For the Beef Filling

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

• For the Chipotle Sauce

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust based on your heat preference)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt, to taste

• For Assembly

  • Small corn or flour tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • Diced tomatoes or salsa
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Crumbled cotija cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chipotle Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, and chipotle in adobo sauce. Squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt to taste. Adjust the chipotle based on your heat preference. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

2. Cook the Beef Filling:

   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
   • Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.

3. Warm the Tortillas:

   • In a separate skillet, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable. Keep them warm in a clean kitchen towel until ready to serve.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

   • Place a generous spoonful of the beef filling onto each tortilla. Drizzle with the chipotle sauce and top with your choice of garnishes: cilantro, avocado, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese.