Teens in the Kitchen: Easy Beef Tacos for Taco Tuesday

There’s something fun and festive about Taco Tuesday, especially when the kids are in charge of dinner! This week, we’re adding a new recipe to our Teens in the Kitchen series with these easy, flavour-packed beef tacos. Whether your teens are new to cooking or already confident in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for building skills and having a bit of fun along the way.

We kept things simple and delicious—with just a few basic ingredients, some pantry spices, and the chance to customise their own tacos with all their favourite toppings.

Easy Beef Tacos (Teen-Friendly Recipe)

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the beef filling:

• 500g minced beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
• 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for mild spice)
• Salt and pepper
• 2–3 tbsp water

To serve:

• 8 soft tortillas or taco shells
• Salsa, guacamole, sour cream
• Grated cheese (optional)
• Lettuce, tomatoes, or any toppings you love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Get prepped.
   Lay out all your toppings. Chop your veg, grate your cheese, and warm your tortillas or taco shells.
2. Cook the beef.
   In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add your seasonings.
   Sprinkle over the spices, salt, and pepper. Add a few spoonfuls of water and stir. Let it cook for a few more minutes so the flavours soak in.
4. Assemble your tacos.
   Add the beef to each shell or tortilla and top with whatever you love—salsa, guac, cheese, the works!

Teen Tips

• Want it spicy? Add hot sauce or jalapeños.
• Like it cheesy? Let the beef melt the cheese for you.
• Taco bar idea: line up the toppings and let everyone create their own combo.

Teen-Friendly Easy Beef Tacos

A fun and teen-friendly recipe for Taco Tuesday! These easy beef tacos are full of flavour, quick to make, and perfect for letting everyone build their own taco creations. Great for beginner cooks, this recipe includes step-by-step instructions using pantry spices and your favourite toppings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Beef Filling
• 500 g minced beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder optional
• ½ tsp chili powder optional, for mild spice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 –3 tbsp water
• To Serve
• 8 soft tortillas or crunchy taco shells
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Grated cheese optional
• Shredded lettuce or chopped spinach
• Diced tomatoes optional
• Any other toppings you love!

Method

 

1. Get prepped:
2. Lay out all your toppings on the counter or table. Wash and chop any fresh veg like lettuce or tomato. Grate cheese if using. Warm the tortillas or taco shells in the oven (3–5 minutes at 180°C / 350°F) or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
3. Cook the beef:
4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it off carefully.
5. Add seasonings:
6. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Add 2–3 tbsp water and stir everything to coat the meat evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Assemble your tacos:
8. Spoon the seasoned beef into each taco shell or tortilla. Add your favourite toppings—like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Fold or hold carefully and enjoy!

Notes

• Teen Tip: Add hot sauce or jalapeños if you like it spicy!
• Taco Bar Idea: Set out all the toppings so everyone can build their own taco.
• Time Saver: You can use a taco seasoning packet in place of individual spices.